Mass of Christian Burial for Jim Maher, age 81, of Morristown, SD will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Morristown, SD. Fr. Tony Grossenburg, Fr. Ron Garry and Deacon Bill Dustman will officiate and burial with full military honors will be in the Hillside Cemetery in Morristown.


Serving as casketbearers are Steve, Dennis, Craig, Jeremy and Dustin Maher and Robert Hood. Ed Maher and all of Jim's brothers and sisters are considered honorary casketbearers.


James Anthony Maher was born on February 3, 1931 at the family ranch in Sioux Co., ND to John and Elsie (Spielmann) Maher. Jim attended elementary school near the ranch and high school at St. Martin's Catholic School in Sturgis, SD. Following his graduation, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served from 1950 to 1954, serving in Germany and France. After being honorably discharged, Jim returned to the family ranch.


Jim was united in marriage to Darlene Lueder on June 14, 1968. To this union six children were born: Steve, Dennis, Craig, Melissa, Jeremy and Dustin.


Jim ranched with his brother until 1999 at which time he ranched with his son Jeremy. He continued to ranch until his health would no longer allow it.


Jim was active in the community including Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Hanna School Board and the Morristown Cemetery Board. He enjoyed playing cards, talking politics, watching Minnesota Twins games, visits from his kids, but especially his grandkids. And of course he enjoyed ranching. Checking and feeding cows with his 4-wheelers was one of his favorite activities. Jim took great pride in his cattle.


He will be missed by his children, grandchildren, family and friends.


Jim passed away on Monday morning, September 10, 2012 at the Five Counties Nursing Home in Lemmon, SD.


He is survived by his five sons and four daughters-in-law, Steve Maher and Elizabeth Wilson, Marion, IA, Dennis Maher, Lemmon, SD, Craig and Hope Maher, McLaughlin, SD, Jeremy and Stefanie Maher, Morristown, SD and Dustin and Sara Maher, Piedmont, SD; one daughter and son-in-law, Melissa and Robert Hood, Blackhawk, SD; 14 grandchildren; his brothers and sisters, Mick (Joseph) and Donna Maher, Mary Gauthier, Vincent and Chris Maher, Polly Maher, Buck(Francis) and Carol Maher, Jerome and Etta Maher, Paul and Claudette Maher, Rosemary and Dave Dirk, Dan and Gloria Maher; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jim and Joan Lueder; and many nieces and nephews.


He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Elsie Maher; his wife, Darlene Maher; two brothers John and Patrick Maher; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Otto and Helen Lueder.


Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. followed by a Rosary/Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 all at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Morristown.