James "Jim" Hagel, 79, died Sunday, June 25, 2023 at Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Jim was born in Luverne, MN to Anna Ella (Ahlers) and Clarence Edward Hagel.  Jim grew up on the family farm near Flandreau, SD.  He graduated from high school in 1962 and spent the next year helping out on the family farm before continuing his education at Southern State College in Springfield, SD.  While attending Southern State, he met the love of his life Cheryl (Menholt) Hagel.  Jim and Cheryl got married on June 5, 1964 in Pipestone, MN and welcomed their daughter Laurie a year and a half later.

Jim and his family moved to Kansas City where he continued his education and received a master's degree of social work from the University of Kansas in 1971.

Jim and his family moved back to SD, where he started his career with Indian Health Services in 1974.  He spent many years helping and serving people on reservations throughout South Dakota.  His career path led his family to Rapid City in December of 1978, where he began work at Sioux San Hospital.  Jim retired from IHS/Sioux San in June of 2007.  During his career, he served on many boards and councils including the Executive Appointment Mental Health Planning and Coordination Advisory Council from 1998-2004 (Chairman 2002-2004) and the Executive Appointment Governors Health Advisory Committee.  Jim also participated in the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Clinic through University of SD Sanford School of Medicine.

Jim had a true passion for antiquing and refinishing furniture.  He would take his family on many adventures through small towns and down country roads looking for antiques and meeting the locals, but we can't forget the garage sales.  Jim loved to go to garage sales every chance he got and would take anyone who was willing to be an "early bird" with him.

Jim's family was the most important thing to him.  He loved spending time with his grandkids and great grandkids and also his nieces and nephews.  Whether traveling, for holidays or for a birthday party, Jim would be there to make the goofy faces in the pictures.  He will truly be missed by many.

Jim is survived by his wife Cheryl (Menholt) Hagel, Rapid City, his daughter Laurie (John) Nissen, Piedmont, three granddaughters Ashley (Pat) Fraser, Amanda (Neil) Pratt and Angie Nissen; seven great-grandchildren including Jayden, Riley, Landon and Kaden Fraser and Logan, Austin and Emmitt Pratt.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his only sibling, Hugh Richard Hagel, and his great-granddaughter, Emily Layne Fraser.

His Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be 10:00 am Saturday, July 8, 2023 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.

Burial of cremains will follow at the Piedmont Cemetery.  Lunch will be serviced following the burial at The American Legion Post 311 – 101 Pine Street – Piedmont, SD 57769.  Condolence cards may be sent to: P.O. Box 386 Piedmont, SD 57769.