James Ross England, 85, died peacefully Thursday, February 25, in Rapid City. He was born June 16, 1924 in Mitchell, South Dakota to James Forrest and Ellen May (Hebbert) England while his family was working on a road construction job in the area. The family lived in Murdo, SD for several years before moving to Rapid City. As a young boy Jim was active in scouting and attained Eagle Scout, earning more merit badges for this rank than any other scout at that time. Because of his rank, he was honored to be the flag bearer for a Mt. Rushmore dedication ceremony attended by President FDR. While in high school he excelled in the debate club, was the 1942 Black Hills Area Singles Tennis Champion, and graduated with high honors. He married his high school sweetheart Carol M. Harrington on July 22, 1943 in Rapid City. He spent 22 months in the US Navy, during WW II and was stationed in both TX and Navy Pier in Chicago. He attended SDSMT, graduating with a BS in Civil Engineering in 1947 and later earned a masters in General Engineering in 1955. At heart, Jim was a businessman and even at an early age began his entrepreneurial career by renting Big Little books for $0.01 per day while in grade school and later bottling and selling rootbeer to employees on his fathers job sites. Jim spent his entire working career in his family business (now J. F. Englands Sons, Inc.), first as Secretary/Treasurer, then President, and in later years as Chairman of the Board. He went to work almost daily until the last few weeks of his life. Jim was involved in Noon Optimists, an active member of the Boys Club Board of Directors since 1974, a founding member of CBMC in Rapid City, and a devoted member of First United Methodist Church. Jim met his wife Carol at the church and they had their first date at a church gathering on March 9, 1941, after he noticed a remarkable young girl in the choir. In this church, they were married, their children were baptized and confirmed, they led inspirational Bible studies, and served on several committees. Jim will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His infectious optimism touched all he came in contact with and was reflected by his frequent statement, Im 110 % and getting better. As Jims final act of fatherly love, he brought his family together on this final journey of sharing, caring, and strengthening bonds of love. Jim is survived by: son David (Lee Anne) England and their children/grandchildren; Darren (Leah), Kerrigan; Jason (Francine), Mitchell, Skylar; Justin (Pamela), Ryan, Samantha; Nathan (Jennifer), and Joshua; daughters: Barbara England and her sons Asmund (Jenny) and Ansel; Debi (Scott) Francis and their children/grandchildren: Erin Boade, Charity (Chet) Laughlin, Brooke, Nicolas; Melody (Mike) Trimmer, Kaitlyn, Kaedyn, and Airelyn; Aaron (Kari) Francis, Jaylene; and Kevin Francis, daughter Robin (Rusty) Douglas, brother George William Bill (Fran) England, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Carol, his parents James Forrest and Ellen May England and his brother Donald Forrest Bud England. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, March 4 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. A celebration of a life well lived will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, March 5, at First United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Doug Diehl officiating. In lieu of flowers memorials to First United Methodist Church and Rapid City Club for Boys have been established.