RAPID CITY- James "Jim" Kramer was 81 years old when he had a massive stroke on September 6, 2017. This left him in a coma from which he did not recover. He died on September 17, 2017 in the Hospice Unit of Ft. Meade Veteran's Hospital.

Jim was born March 22, 1936 in Hillsview, SD, a very small town in north central South Dakota, to John and Othillia Kramer.

In April 1957, he married Inez Priscilla Schumacher, whom he loved more than life itself, in Hosmer, SD. He served in the United States Army from 1957 until 1959. Inez and Jim moved to Rapid City in 1961.   Jim worked as a carpet layer for a short time and then for Knecht Lumber Co. where he started his truck driving career. He purchased a truck and became an independent truck driver for Sammons Trucking Co. Jim and Inez loved to travel. They were inseparable, and most of the time Inez rode with him on his long trips.   He was very proud to be an independent truck driver. Jim retired from trucking about 2010.

Jim was a member of the Germans from Russia Heritage Society and a member of South Canyon Lutheran Church.

Jim loved to reminisce and could always be depended on to supply family history data. He enjoyed helping people less fortunate than himself.

Surviving Jim are his brother Milton (Valentyna) Kramer and his sisters Grace (Bernie) Rumpca and Monica (John) Irwin.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Inez, in 2015, older brother Roy in 2001, older sister Ruth in 2010 and younger brother Dwayne in 1994.