RAPID CITY | James Francis "Jim" Zeller, 79, died Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018.

James (Jim) Francis Zeller was born April 24, 1938 to Edward W. and Eva (Clark) Zeller. He graduated from Cathedral High School in 1957. After graduation Jim joined the U.S. Army, was stationed at Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn New York and spent time in France during the Berlin Airlift. Upon discharge he was involved in the electrical trade for over thirty years and was a member of the IBEW Local 1250 Electricians Union. Jim worked for Civil Service with Ellsworth Air Force Base until his retirement in 2000.

Jim was very active in his local church, St. Therese of the Little Flower Catholic church. He was a charter member of Council 8025 of the Knights of Columbus of St. Therese; served as Grand Knight and Honor Guard of the 4th degree. Jim served as a Eucharist minister and was very active in the Council, Assembly, and Parish.

Jim volunteered with Love Inc., and many other organizations. He loved wood working, reading but most of all spending time with his grandchildren, he was a "Papa" to many.

Jim married Darlys on June 25, 1977; not only uniting their children but creating an amazing extended family.

He is survived by his wife, Darlys; daughters Trish (Dean) Orvis; Lisa (Jason) Koppmann; Kristy (Aaron) Eckert; Son Rocky (Jen)Larson; and nine grandchildren; A.J. Ferrizzi, Danielle Koppmann, Nicolle Koppmann, Austin Eckert, Kaylee Eckert, Brooke Eckert, Connor Larson, Princess Larson and Varney Larson; Siblings Sister Margaret OSB and Don and Pam Zeller; sister-in-laws Jan Zeller, Nadine Zeller and Kathy Grebner.

Jim was preceded in death by his father and mother, son Lee (Baranek) Zeller, brothers Edward, Richard, Fr. Joseph, Tom and John; and sisters Patricia, Jean and Mary.

Visitation begins at 5 p.m., with 7 p.m. Christian Wake services Thursday, Jan. 11, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.

Christian Funeral Mass will be offered at 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 12, at Church of St. Therese the Little Flower, with Rev. Kerry Prendiville presiding. Interment will be at 1 p.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, with full military honors rendered by the Rushmore VFW Post 1273 and the South Dakota Army National Guard.

Memorials can be sent to St Therese Catholic Church, Lutheran Social Services, Love INC., or the charity of the donors choice.