James H. "Jim" Everton

James H. "Jim" Everton

RAPID CITY – James H. "Jim" Everton, 88, passed away on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at Monument Health – Rapid City Hospital.

Jim was born on April 7, 1935, in Norfolk County, VA to George Wells and Mary Edna (Perkins) Everton. He was raised in Virginia and was an excellent athlete, particularly at football, playing for his high school. On March 4, 1957, he married Carolyn "Connie" Kokes and together they grew their family to include two children, Brian, and Laurie.

Jim served in the United States Air Force where he worked as an aircraft mechanic. His mechanical skill and dedication to craftsmanship led him to a distinguished career of over 60 years most of which he spent at Aldrich Air Conditioning. He earned many awards over the years for his outstanding work.

In his free time, Jim loved the outdoors and spent time each fall pursuing deer in the Black Hills with Brian at his side. He was also an avid rockhound and enjoyed sharing this passion with his family. Many a weekend was spent together rockhounding with Brian and Laurie playing and sliding down hills in the process. He had a beautiful collection of Fairburn Agates. He and Connie spent time touring together on their Honda Goldwing motorcycle and formed friendships with other couples who enjoyed the same.

Jim was always willing to go out of his way to help others and was given the loving nickname of "The White Knight". He used his metalworking skill to create a full-size suit of armor holding the family crest. Jim loved and cherished his family; he was so proud to see his granddaughter Melina graduate from the South Dakota School of Mines. Ultimately, he will be remembered as a hardworking, caring, honest and fair man.

Jim is survived by his wife, Connie Everton; son, Brian Everton, granddaughter Melina Bozzetti and her husband, Jon Negus as well as extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Laurie Bozzetti, his brother, George E. Everton, and his parents.

Friends and family are invited to a Christian Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at Blessed Sacrament Church. A committal service will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Club for Boys – Rapid City.

Please visit the online memorial for Jim at: www.OsheimSchmidt.com.