James Scott VanPelt

1946 - 2025

James Scott Van Pelt

June 11, 1946 - September 30, 2025

James "Jim" Van Pelt, 79, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2025.

Born June 11, 1946, into a Navy family, Jim's early years took him across the country before his family settled in Rapid City in 1959. He attended Cathedral High School and grew up with a deep love for the beach and a spirit of exploration that would define his life.

Jim attended the Naval Academy and proudly served in both the Marine Corps and the Navy, carrying on his family's tradition of service. Always chasing adventure, he became a pilot, a scuba diver, a snake handler, and yes - even wrestled an alligator or two. Of all the jobs he held, his favorite was being a truck driver, traveling the country and meeting people from every walk of life. He also spent several years as a contract driver in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, supporting his country in a time of need.

Above all, Jim's greatest joy was his family. He was a proud father to his daughter, Jennifer Jones, and a loving grandfather to four grandchildren who were the light of his life.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, William "Bud" Van Pelt; his mother, Eleanor "Bobby" Van Pelt-Gill; and his brother, Joseph Rainman. He is survived by his brother, Michael Van Pelt; his daughter, Jennifer (Carl) Jones; and his four grandchildren.

Burial services will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery, 20901 Pleasant Valley Drive, Sturgis, S.D. 57785.

A memorial service will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Sandstone Ridge, 3600 Sheridan Lake Road, Rapid City, S.D. 57702.