James “Jim” Knutson

Jim Knutson passed away early Friday morning, August 29, 2025. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00AM on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Eidsness Funeral Home, Brookings, SD. Memorial Visitation will take place from 5:00PM to 7:00PM on Thursday, September 4, 2025, also at Eidsness Funeral Home, Brookings, SD.

James "Jim" Knutson was born in Volga, South Dakota, on September 13, 1956, the youngest son of Obel and Betty Knutson. Some of you may also know him as "Moby." He grew up on the family farm outside of Volga and attended Bangor-Windsor – District 93 Country School. Jim graduated from Arlington High School in 1974.

On April 19, 1975, Jim married the love of his life, Carrie Marie Wooten, at St. John's Catholic Church in Arlington, SD; together, they raised three children, Jereme, Jama, and Jared.

Jim began his career working as a custodian at SDSU. He then worked at Coast to Coast for 25 years on the receiving dock, and after the store closed, he retired from 3M after 21 years of service as a material handler. In addition to his career, Jim was a skilled carpenter, often working with good friend Woody & brother-in-law, Jeff during his "downtime." His dedication to service extended to the Volga Fire Department, where he volunteered for 20 years before retiring.

Outside of work and service, Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, and "patrolling" town on his golf cart by supporting all the local festivities such as, Old Timers, Honey Days & Kingbrook Days to name a few. He loved cooking, hosting family gatherings, and showing off his classic truck that was restored by Jereme. His greatest joy came from spending time with his grandchildren and cheering them on in their school activities.

Jim was a good-natured man with a heart of gold and a smile that could brighten anyone's day. Laid back and always ready with a joke, he was the kind of person you could count on for help, advice, or simply a friendly visit, his door was always open.

Jim is survived by his children, Jama Hanson of Arlington, SD, and Jared (Kari) Knutson of Volga, SD; his siblings Renae (Darrel) Hoyer of Renner, LeAnn (Bud) Fenske of Volga, and Mary Lundin of Volga; brother-in-law Mike Rezac of Renner; six grandchildren, Devon, Breanna, Zadie, James, Jada, Skylar; and great-grandchild, Jax, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Carrie Knutson, his sister, Laurie Rezac, his son, Jereme Knutson, son-in-law, Steve Hanson, and brother, Lenny Knutson.

In lieu of flowers, Jim's family requests donations be made to the Volga Fire Department: Station 55, 226 Kasan Ave, Volga, SD 57071.