Funeral services for James D. Blomquist, age 87, of Lemmon, SD, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 28, 2017 at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Lemmon, SD. Pastor Carin Bear will officiate with burial to follow in the Greenhill Cemetery at Lemmon.

James Denton Blomquist was born on June 19, 1930 in Sisseton, SD to David and Myrtle (Nelson) Blomquist. He was one of four children. Jim grew up on the farm until he was 13 when his family moved to town. They moved into an old hospital where they provided rooms for adults and youth who were in need of short term housing.

After graduating high school Jim went west to find fame and fortune with some of his high school friends. After spending some time picking grapes for a winery, he and his friends decided to move back to Sisseton. Jim started working for Bell Telephone Company as a linesman. He met Marlys Weinkauf and they were married on June 1, 1952. The newly married couple moved to Aberdeen, SD shortly thereafter.

Three children were born to this union, Calvin, David, and Daniel. In 1963 Jim was transferred, and the family moved to Lemmon, SD. 1981 Marlys and Jim adopted their daughter Tammy.

Jim worked for Bell Telephone for 40 years, and installed most of the area's first home phones. He was well known in the community and dedicated more than 15 years to leading the local boy scouts troops.

Upon retirement, Jim enjoyed his hobby farm. He had a big garden and often sold his produce at the farmer's market. Jim also enjoyed his team of ponies. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who enjoyed countless hours of conversation with his coffee buddies.

Jim passed away on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at the West River Regional Medical Center in Hettinger, ND.

Keeping him in their fondest memories are his two sons, Danny and Dave Blomquist, both of Lemmon, SD,; one daughter, Tammy (Tom) Neys, Bonney Lake, WA; five grandchildren, Jessica (Justin) Bueligen, Justin Sykes and Travis Baker, and Atticus and Broderick Neys; three great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Gordon Blomquist, Helena, MT and John (Judy) Blomquist, Havre De Grave, MD.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Marlys; his son, Calvin Blomquist; and one sister, Maroline Megard.

Visitation will be on Sunday, August 27, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with the family present from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Evanson Jensen Funeral Home in Lemmon, SD.