Archived Services

James "Jim" Hexamer
11-19-2020

On March 28, 1948 Willis and Beatrice Hexamer welcomed their son, James Edward “Jim” to their family. He was born in Sioux Falls, SD and attended Christ the King Grade School and graduated in 1966 from O’Gorman High School. After graduation, Jim broadened his education by attending South Dakota State and Nettleton Business School. His career included work at Midwest Coast Transport, Wells Fargo Financial, and Saint Mary Catholic Church where he especially enjoyed finishing his employment and retired in July of 2018. What truly defined Jim was his commitment and love for his family and friends.

On June 6, 1970 at Saint Mary Catholic Church, Jim married his High School sweetheart, Mary Anne Feyder. He loved his wife dearly and they were blessed to have recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. Together they raised three wonderful daughters who blessed them with five treasured grandchildren. Jim was devoted to his family and valued time spent with them hiking in area parks, playing in the yard, joining together for birthdays, holidays, projects, and meals (his Christmas prime rib rivaled that of any trained chef). Family summer vacations to rental cabins may not all have been five-star stays, but they provided cherished times together and prized memories. Jim was the “hub of the wheel” keeping all his loved ones connected.

Jim was a wonderful brother to his sister, June Albers and two brothers, David and Pat Hexamer. As children they raised rabbits, wrestled in the living room, and caught tadpoles in the window well. Jim was “salt of the earth”, would do anything for anyone, could fix anything, and was always ready to help. Jim’s excellent carpentry skills were gained working alongside his father Willis. With the help of his father, brother, family, and friends, he even literally raised the roof of their family home to create an addition for his daughters. Jim’s skills and handiwork show throughout his home with improvement projects (the sunroof leak was finally conquered), book shelves, garden art, and other personal touches.  

Jim Hexamer of Sioux Falls died at the age of 72 on Thursday, November 19, 2020 at Avera Heart Hospital of South Dakota due to a sudden heart attack. 

Jim leaves his best friend in the world and the mother to his children: Mary Anne. He also leaves many who will miss him greatly including his three daughters and their families: Emily and her husband Robert Wilson and their daughter Annalise of West Fargo, ND,  Katie and her husband Eric Hanson and their children Charlotte and Everett of Sioux Falls, SD, Meghan and her husband Jesse Wilkens and their children Owen and Emma of Sioux Falls, SD; plus his sister: June Albers and her significant other, Chuck Wubben; his brother: David and wife Jackie Hexamer; and brother: Pat Hexamer and significant other Kaylynn Montis; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.  

St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, spouse to blessed mother Mary, was a carpenter who taught his trade to his son. He was the model of fathers dedicated to their families. Jim too was a carpenter, friend, and family man. His kindness and huge heart have touched so many.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home for a charity to be determined. A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be held.