James “Jim” Spenny

It is with deep sadness and love that we announce the passing of James Dennis Spenny, (Jim) on November 27, 2024. Jim was born December 3, 1932, in White Butte, SD, the oldest of 3 children born to Howard and Florence (Durick) Spenny and was raised in the White Butte community. He attended Liberty School and later Lemmon High School where he was active in FFA, track, football, basketball, chorus, band and graduated in 1950.  One of his favorite modes of transportation to Lemmon was his Harley Davidson motorcycle. After attending SDSU in Brookings to study agriculture, Jim returned to the family farm to work alongside his father and joined the Lemmon National Guard.

In 1953, Jim met his sweetheart Angeline Kopp at a dance in Haynes, ND. Jim was a handsome man in uniform & Angie was smitten. They married Sept 11, 1954 in Lemmon. Jim enlisted to serve in the US Army in 1954. He and Angie made their home at Fort Lewis WA and welcomed their first child, Vicki Lee. Jim was deployed to Germany and returned to his family in Lemmon upon his discharge. He remained active in the National Guard until 1957. During their marriage they welcomed 3 additional children, Susie, Dave and Melanie.

Growing up farming & ranching with his dad, Jim developed a deep sense of true grit and appreciation for the simple things in life. His love for agriculture led him to eventually take over the family farm south of White Butte. His calm spirit was an innate asset when working with livestock, teaching his children to drive and run farm equipment. He ultimately taught those children how to fix farm equipment, unplug a jammed bailer or untangle a barbed wire fence that had been eaten by a swather. He met their mistakes with calmness and grace.

Jim's deep love for his family was evident in every aspect of his life. As a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he took great joy in spending time with his family and thought nothing of putting work on hold or driving through a blizzard to watch his kids & grandkids in sporting events, concerts, plays, graduations or helping Angie set up the numerous wedding cakes she made. In 1980-81 Jim and Angie had the pleasure of hosting their foreign exchange student from Germany, Silke Dietrich, who became a lifelong part of the Spenny family.

Jim had the ability to find beauty in the simple things in life. His annual Spring tradition was to present Angie with a lovely bouquet with the first crocuses of the season. The bouquet may have been small, but his smile was big. He enjoyed gathering with friends and playing cards in several community whist and pinochle clubs. Jim appreciated his neighbors and would lend a helping hand when needed and neighbors were gracious to return favors.

Upon retiring from full time farming and ranching, Jim took up gardening and spent endless hours alongside Angie growing enough produce to last the winter, as well as, share with friends and neighbors.  

Jim loved his Lord Jesus Christ. He served at Spencer Memorial Presbyterian Church in Lemmon as an elder, a Sunday School teacher, men’s group and served as church treasurer for almost 30 years. He even helped out in the kitchen washing dishes after potlucks or church events.  No job too big or too small for a servant’s heart.

Though Jim has left us, his legacy of kindness, honesty and faith will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.  He taught us not through grand gestures but by living a life of quiet integrity and love.

He is survived by his wife, Angie Spenny, Spearfish; Susan Skjoldal, Spearfish, SD; David (Ida) Spenny, Harrisburg, SD and Melanie Frame, Miles City, SD.  Grandchildren, Jamie (Tom) Baxter, Codi (Scott) Ellingson, Drew Skjoldal, Brigita Spenny, Jordan (Ariel) Lane, Emily Lane, Taylor (Christian) Ker and Peyton Frame, as well as 14 great-grandchildren; his sister Linda Rensberger, Sioux Falls, SD and brother Howard Arlen (Ruth) Spenny, Encampment, WY.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Vicki Spenny in 1960; his stepmother Olive (Wenner-Kane) Spenny; and brother-in-law Don Rensberger.

Cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will be held at a later date in Lemmon, SD.  

Cards may be sent to: Angie Spenny at 540 Falcon Crest Dr., Apt #158, Spearfish, SD 57783