James Martin Zapp (Jim) passed away on May 29 at the age of 95. He was born on May 7, 1928 on a farm in Woonsocket, SD to John and Lena Zapp working on the family farm with his four sisters. With the death of his mother in 1937, Jim and his siblings were sent to a boarding school in Woonsocket. Jim graduated high school in 1946 and joined the Army Air Corps stationed at Eglin AFB in Florida. While in the service, Jim learned radio repair and how to fly which would become his greatest passion.

After leaving the service, Jim returned to western South Dakota to work on his uncle's sheep farm. However, he soon moved to Rapid City and used his radio repair skills working at Black Hills Oldsmobile where he met his wife Deloris. They were married on April 26, 1953. Jim continued working at various trades before finding what would be his career at New York Life selling life insurance. Jim was very successful selling insurance because of his knowledge, integrity, and sense of humor. His concern was always the needs of his clients, not his own personal gain.

Jim was never at a loss for something to do. His hobbies were many but his passion was flying. He owned and rebuilt two Piper Cub airplanes and flew them to the Oshkosh Air Show where they were on the display field. Flying in regional weekend air shows was part of the family on several occasions. He later owned two larger planes and acquired his instrument rating so he could fly to visit family.

Woodworking and metal machining kept him busy when he wasn't flying. He made a great many furniture pieces for his home and special projects for many of his friends. He machined toothpick holders that could be carried in purses or pockets that he passed out at his grandchildren's weddings. He was requisitioned to provide 100 of these same holders for the crew of the movie Superman. His other hobbies included photography, and developing and printing the pictures he took. He combined his flying with his photography by taking pictures of the Black Hills and Mt. Rushmore from his plane.

Anything Jim owned, whether used or new, he would take it apart and make it his own. This included refurbishing a Willy's 1948 jeep that he drove with his grandchildren through the hills and with his wife, Deloris, with the antique car club. He loved living in the Black Hills and spent time as a Boy Scout leader on the Silver Arrow Trail. Very few Sundays went by without a family drive through the hills.

He sponsored and supported the gift of music for all of his children in both band and piano. They are forever grateful for his attendance at their many concerts and recitals as well as the many lessons he funded for their advancement in music.

James is survived by his three children, Michael Zapp of Sheridan, WY, Debra (Clifford) Bienert of St. Augustine, FL, and Karen Zapp (John Withers) of Lawrenceville, GA; sisters Ann Zapp and Gertrude (Pete) Sigler both of Rapid City, SD, four grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Deloris, sisters Mary Knutson and Helen Zapp, and his parents.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 9, 2023, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. A Christian Wake Service and time of sharing will follow at 6:00 p.m. led by Deacon Larry Kopriva.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 10 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home with Fr. Brian Christensen presiding.

Interment will be at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, June 12 at Black Hills National Cemetery with military honors rendered by the Ellsworth Air Force Base Honor Guard and the Rushmore VFW Post 1273. A procession will leave Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home at 8:00 a.m.

A memorial has been established to create raised flower beds at Peaceful Pines at the windows where Jim spent a great many hours.