James Arthur Rundell was born on February 15, 1930 in Huron, South Dakota to Arthur and Mary Rundell.  He was one of six children. He grew up on a farm in the Manchester, South Dakota area. He graduated from high school in De Smet in 1948.

James married Phyllis on March 15, 1953 in Lake Preston, South Dakota. Shortly after their wedding, they moved to Aberdeen, South Dakota, where they had their first son, Steven in 1953. In 1954, their second son, Alan was born in Huron, South Dakota. In 1958, James' third son, Mark, was born in Bismarck, North Dakota. In 1960, James' first daughter, Cheryl was born in Rapid City, South Dakota. James and Phyllis completed their family in 1962 with the addition of their second daughter, Joan in Grafton, North Dakota. In 1959, James and Phyllis settled down in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

James was an avid sportsman who enjoyed spending his time with family hunting and fishing. After retirement, James and Phyllis spent most summers in Pierre with family camping and fishing on the Missouri River.  James also enjoyed Baha racing and working on cars.

James passed away on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 surrounded by family.

Survivors include his children; son, Steven (Vicki) Rundell of Pierce, NE; son, Alan (Marie) Rundell of Black Hawk; Mark (Lori) Rundell of Black Hawk; daughter, Joan (Mark) Thompson of Piedmont; fifteen grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren, brother John Rundell (Patricia) of Sioux Falls, and sister Millie Nieman.

James was preceded in death by his wife Phyllis Rundell, parents Arthur and Mary Rundell, daughter Cheryl Ramsdell, sisters Helen Penney and Dorothy Middlestadt, and brother Donald Rundell.

Visitation will be held at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home on Sunday, June 17, from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Services will be held at Black Hawk Community Church, in Black Hawk, SD, at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 18, with Pastor Orin Covington officiating. Burial with military honors, will follow immediately after the services at Black Hills National Cemetery.

A memorial has been established to the Black Hawk Community Church.