James H. Jim LaFreniere, 69, Rapid City, died Saturday, July 30, 2011; after fighting a fierce battle against pancreatic cancer. He died at home surrounded by loved ones. Jim was born February 12, 1942 in South Kingston, Rhode Island. He married Barbara (Kulakowski) and joined the United States Air Force right out of high school; thus began a thirty year career in the service and 51 years of marriage. They were stationed in Nebraska, New York, Illinois, Washington State, South Dakota and England. As a young airman Jim served in Osan, Korea where he earned a second-degree black belt in Tang Soo Do karate. Later he was stationed remotely in Galena, Alaska. He spent nine years of his retirement at the Box Elder Job Corps as a respected mentor to young adults. Jim will be remembered as an avid fly fisherman who was past president and board member of the Black Hills Fly Fishers. He was a loving husband and father and a trusted friend to many. He will be greatly missed and is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Barbara; two daughters, Cindy LaFreniere, Cold Spring, Kentucky; Denise (Mike Palazzolo) Cherry, Troy, Michigan; two sons, Robert (Debra) LaFreniere, Simi Valley, California and John (Tina) LaFreniere, Northville, Michigan; a brother, Richard (Nancy) LaFreniere, Fayetteville, Pennsylvania; eleven much-loved grandchildren and a host of treasured friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, William and Irene (Whitford) LaFreniere and a sister, Ellen. A memorial service celebrating Jims life will be held 11:00 am, Wednesday, August 17, 2011 in the Osheim and Schmidt Funeral Home chapel in Rapid City. Friends and family may visit beginning at 10:30 that same morning. A military burial service will take place at 1:00 pm, Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with Military Honors provided by the Ellsworth Air Force Honor Guard. Jim enjoyed flowers and gardening, however, those who wish may donate to the American Cancer Society.