RAPID CITY- James R. "Jim" Kramer, 74, died Friday, November 14, 2014. Jim was born on April 20, 1940 in Mobridge, SD to Benedict and Susann (Traxinger) Kramer. He attended rural country school until 6th grade. He then attended school in McLaughlin and graduated from McLaughlin High School. Following graduation, Jim attended the University of South Dakota for two years. Jim completed his Bachelors in Mathematics at Northern State University in Aberdeen. He met Elizabeth J. Schott on a blind date at the University of South Dakota. It was love at first sight and the couple married on October 19, 1961, at St. Joseph Parish in Mobridge. To this union three children were born: Angela, Jackie, and Matthew. An avid sports fan, Jim spent countless hours coaching his children and many children when they lived in Chicago. Jim enjoyed reading, history, gardening, baseball, and living in the Black Hills. Jim will be remembered for his sense of humor, outreach in the community, charismatic heart, and his infectious smile. He was always going out of his way to make everyone feel special. Jim was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #8844, where he held the 4th Degree Honor. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, wife Elizabeth in June 2013, and daughter Angela in November 2012. Survivors include his daughter, Jackie (Matthew) Gage, Bristow, VA; son, Matthew (Lisa) Kramer, Alpharetta, GA; four brothers: Jerome "Jerry" (Beverly) Kramer, Summerset; Tom (Trish) Kramer, Ortonville, MN; Bob (Eileen) Kramer, Ft. Pierre; Joe (Kathy) Kramer, Mitchell; two sisters: Delila (Eddie) Senger, Sioux City, IA; Shirley (Rod) Permann, Gettysburg, SD; five grandchildren: Samantha (Richard) Lussier, Alyssa (Adam) Altice, Katherine Gage, Zachary Kramer, and Allison Kramer; one great grandson, Orion Lussier and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 20, at Blessed Sacrament Church with a Christian wake service at 7:00 p.m. Christian Funeral Mass will be offered at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 21, at the Church with Rev. Brian Lane as celebrant. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.