James William Sellers

James William Sellers, 89, of Pickstown

Funeral services are 10:30 AM, Friday, August 29, 2025 at St. John Lutheran Church in Wagner with visitation the hour prior to services. Military honors will follow his funeral. Burial will be 1 PM, Saturday, August 30, at the First Lutheran Cemetery in Brookings.

James (Jim) William Sellers was born March 17, 1936, in Wagner, SD, to Dr. Miles E. and Ethel M. Sellers. Jim passed away peacefully on August 24, 2025, at St. Benedict Health Center, Parkston, SD.

Jim was baptized at First Lutheran Church, Brookings, SD, on May 24, 1936, and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church, Wagner, SD. He attended Wagner Public School, graduating from Wagner High School in 1954. He attended his first year of college at the University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, where he participated in the Coyote's football program. He began his 37-year military career with the US Army, training at Fort Leonardwood, MO, serving at Grafenwoehr, Germany, and Fort Benning, GA, and continuing with the South Dakota Army National Guard until his retirement as Command Sargeant Major in 1991. He continued his education with South Dakota State University, earning his Bachelor of Science degree as a Fishery Wildlife Biologist. He began his career with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers as a Park Ranger in 1965 at Lake Oahe, Pierre, SD, retiring as Lake Manager at Lake Francis Case, Pickstown, SD, in 1997.

Jim and his wife of 61 years, Elaine, were married in Pierre, SD, May 9, 1964, and lived in Pierre, SD; Gainesville, GA; Camden, AL; Mobridge, SD; and lastly in Pickstown, SD. Jim was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Wagner, SD, where he was active as an Elder and members of other committees in support of the church. Jim loved and connected with each Pastor serving the congregations where he and his family attended, enjoying visits over a cup of coffee, sharing their faith in Christ, and inviting them to hunt turkey and deer.

Jim will be remembered especially for his love and witness of his Savior, Jesus Christ, his love for family, his love for country, his love for hunting, and cherished visits over a cup of coffee with family and friends.

Jim is survived by his wife, Elaine, and children: William James (Mary) of San Jose, CA, Roy Leonard (Kim) of Kenmore, WA, Randal Paul (Stefanie) of Papillion, NE, and Darcie Ann (Robert) Knight of Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren: Morgan, Zak, Hannah, Zachary, Brandon, Samantha, Jordan, and Meghan; great grandchildren: Clare, Lillian, Camille, Boden, Rogan, Wylie, Bennett, Olivia, Ayden, and Troy; brothers-in-law: Pete Wold and Ron Paulson; sisters-in-law: Kathy Hill and Toni Hill; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by grandson, Logan Reed Knight; parents, Dr. Miles and Ethel Sellers; sister, Jean Ann Crosby; brothers-in-law: Jim Crosby, Odean Olson, Dale Saxton, Marlin Hill, Darwin Beaudette, and Rodney Hill; sisters-in-law: Ardys Olson, Joanne Saxton, Eleanor Beaudette, and Karen Paulson; and parents-in-law, Arley and Ruth Hill.