Jim Spiry

James (Jim) A. Spiry, 89, of Glenham, SD passed away peacefully at his home on May 17, 2023. Jim was surrounded by his 5 children and went to be with his wife on their 65th Wedding Anniversary. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 and a prayer service beginning at 7pm at the Kesling Funeral Home in Mobridge on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. The funeral service will be held at the Trinity Lutheran Church on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at 10:30am.
Jim was born on September 8, 1933, to Theodore and Katherine (Schlepp) Spiry. Jim was a twin to Jerry Spiry and they were born in a sod home northeast of Java. When Jim was a sophomore, his family relocated to the Spiry Ranch near the Missouri River just southwest of Mobridge.
At the age of 16 he joined the SD National Guard, he wanted to serve, but they found out how old he was and sent him home. Ted and Kate told Jim that if he graduated high school, they would sign the paperwork for him to join the Military. Jim wanted to join the military because of the newspaper coverage, and he felt the call to service to our Nation. All 4 of Jim's brothers served in the military as well. Jim joined the US Air Force and was sent to Korea. Jim served as crew chief/mechanic on the AT-6 Texan reconnaissance aircraft, but he also worked on the B-26 Invader and the B-29 Superfortress bombers while there.
After Jim's return to South Dakota, he had several jobs including being a bartender, driving a beer delivery truck and working on the railroad. During this time, Jim met the love of his life, Donna Nicholas in Mobridge. They married on May 17, 1958, and began their life together. Along their journey, they had one son and four daughters.
Jim found his true calling in Law Enforcement when he took a job as a Police Officer with the Mobridge Police Department in 1961. Jim worked his way up the ranks to Chief of Police. Jim ran for Walworth County Sheriff and became Sheriff in 1971. He resigned from the Sheriff's position in 1972 when he returned to become the Chief of Police in Mobridge once again.
Jim took the job of Police Chief in Groton SD in 1976, but he ran for Walworth County Sheriff again and became the Sheriff in 1977 where he remained until 1999 when he retired. Jim was known for always responding to a call when needed, even when some others may not. Considering Jim worked in Law Enforcement for 38 years, it would be nearly impossible to understand how many people he helped and how many lives he changed along the way.
Jim was very proud of his service to our Nation while in the US Air Force and to his communities while in Law Enforcement, however nothing made him prouder than his family. Jim believed in God, Family, and Country, but always know that Jim would do anything for his family.
Jim had an exciting week before his passing. He visited Falls Park in Sioux Falls and was able to see the Dignity Statue in Chamberlain for the first time. He was most happy to have gone on the Midwest Honor Flight on May 16th. He was able to see the Korean War Monument after its re-dedication last year and it meant the world to him. He was very proud of the Welcome Home Ceremony that was put on by Honor Flight when he returned. He told his daughters that he had never felt so special.
Jim could be a bit stubborn and wasn't afraid to speak his mind. He would say that it was the "Rushion" (Russian) in him. He and Donna raised their children and they inherited some of each of their traits. While each of them are unique individuals...there is a lot of Jim Spiry in each of them.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, wife and two brothers.
Jim is survived by his son Allen Spiry of Glenham, daughters Ann (Gary) Byre of Glenham, A. Dollie (Jeff) Jensen of Mobridge, Avis (Shane) Yates of Mandan, ND, Alice (James) Hare of Mobridge 11, grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Brothers Lynn (Cathy) Spiry of Glenham and Al "Punk" (Wendy) Spiry of Australia and many nieces and nephews.