PIEDMONTJames E. Jim Gifford, 74, passed away at his home on Sunday, April 27, 2008. Jim was born on July 6, 1933, in Napa, Idaho, to Jonas E. Joe and Margaret (Hixon) Gifford. He grew up in Napa until 1st grade, when the family moved to Hayti, SD. The family moved to Newell in 1949, where Jim ranched until joining the Air Force in 1950. He served as an ammunition specialist. While in the Air Force, he was united in marriage to Loretta Olson. After the service, he attended diesel mechanic school in St. Louis, MO. Jim then returned to Belle Fourche, where he was employed at Thompsons Garage; then to Newell, where he worked at Butchs Garage, and then to Rapid City, where he worked with his father-in-law his family, building homes. In 1964, the family moved to Piedmont, where he continued on his own in the construction business and as a rancher. After his retirement, he and Loretta spent a couple of months each winter in Aransas, TX, where they enjoyed fishing on the beach and visiting with the people. Jim enjoyed fishing, helping out his friends and Piedmont Senior Citizens suppers. He also restored cars and was a member of the Black Hills Historical Car Club. Survivors include his wife, Loretta; Piedmont; two sons, Alan Gifford, Piedmont and Billy Gifford and his wife, Judy, Piedmont; 2 brothers, Jerry Gifford, Newell and Donnie Gifford and his wife, Mickie, Lead; his grandchildren; Lynn Uhrig, Belle Fourche, Lynda Frasier and her husband Corey, Belle Fourche and Brandon, Carl and Casey Gifford, Piedmont; a great-granddaughter, Kiana Frasier, Belle Fourche and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson, Carson Gifford; 2 great-grandsons, Johnny Frasier and Tyler Gifford and a sister-in-law, Beverly Gifford. Visitation will be one hour prior to services, which will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30, at Piedmont Valley Lutheran Church in Piedmont with Pastor Carol Mapa officiating. Burial will follow in Piedmont Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the church following the burial. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a donation be made to the Leukemia Research Foundation; 3520 Lake Avenue, Suite #202, Wilmette, IL 60091-1064.