RAPID CITY | James W. Billingsley, 84, died Thursday, July 19, 2012, at the Rapid City Regional Hospital. James was born the son of a small dairy farmer in Northern California at the foot of the Cascades on May 28, 1928. The second oldest of ten children, he saw rough times for the family when his father was severely injured and unable to work for years. He worked hard throughout his life in jobs that exemplified manhood. After years as a logger in Northern California, James went to work as an operating engineer, driving heavy equipment. He became a skilled asphalt roller operator, but was also qualified on a grader, loader and paver. He settled in the Santa Clara Valley just South of San Francisco with his lifelong wife, Fae Arlie Plympton and new son, Eugene, going to work for McCarthy and Spiesman, a small road construction firm. He bossed the only asphalt crew in the company and paved everything from small driveway jobs to large housing development road nets. He was the first on the job and often the last to leave, jumping on a roller after his paving crew was done with their work. He retired with over 35 years as an operating engineer. He was a faithful husband and a dedicated provider. He enjoyed golfing and fishing and was an avid sports fan. He also liked traveling in a recreational vehicle, even making a coast-to-coast trip to visit his siblings. Years after his wife passed away, he came to live in Rapid City, South Dakota, desiring to be closer to his son, three grandchildren and, eventually six great-grandchildren. He put his trust in Jesus Christ on July 18, 2012. Survivors include his son, Gene (Kathy) Billingsley, Rapid City; three grandchildren, Martha (Greg) Schmidt, Justin (April) Billingsley, Richard (Tonya) Billingsley; six great grandchildren; and five siblings, Robert (Elizabeth) Billingsley, Marina, Calif., Kenneth Billingsley, Palermo, Calif., Harold (Louise) Billingsley, Palermo, Calif., June Bartolazo, Yreka, Calif., and Patty (Wayne) Johnson, Red Bluff, Calif. He was preceded in death by his wife, Fae; his parents, Clarence and Bertha; sister, Freda; and brothers, Lester, Alfred and Roy. His Memorial Service will be Monday, July 23 at 6:30 PM at the Rimrock Evangelical Free Church, 12200 West Highway 44, with his grandson, Rev. Richard Billingsley, officiating. Burial will be at Mt. View Cemetery.