James "Jim" R White

The Service will be broadcasted at https://www.facebook.com/HofmeisterJonesFuneralHome/ beginning at approx. 10:25 AM.

James R. “Jim”  White, 90 of Parker, passed away surrounded by his family on March 8, 2024 at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls. Funeral Service will be at 10:30 AM Friday, March 15, 2024 at Grace Lutheran Church, Parker. Burial will be held at the Vangen Cemetery, Mission Hill. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM Thursday, March 14 at the church with a Masonic Service beginning at 7:00 PM. Arrangements provided by Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home.

James Richard White of Parker, SD, was born at home to Mildred (Olson) White and Noble White in Volin, SD, Oct. 11, 1933. Jim recently celebrated his 90th birthday. He passed away peacefully on March 8, 2024, with family by his side and under compassionate care from the nursing staff at Ava’s House who adopted him like family.

At an early age, he learned how to be resilient from many hospitalizations. He also learned how to have a strong work ethic from growing up on the family farm. Jim attended Bruget School #10 in Mission Hill and graduated from Gayville High School. Influenced by his Uncle Larry, he was the first in his family to attend college and graduated from Pharmacy School at SDSU.

Jim married Constance Gudmunson on June 28, 1959. They would make their first home in Vermillion, SD. Under the guidance of his mentor Marshal Davis, Jim started his first job at Davis Pharmacy. Jim and Connie’s son Carl Magnus was born in 1960. Later, they moved to Sioux City where he worked at Toller Drug. Their daughter, Jenna Sue, arrived in 1963.

In 1965, the family moved to Parker where he purchased the drugstore that became White Pharmacy, which he owned for 40 years. Later that year, their daughter, Carri Michelle was born. Jim was a 59-year member of Grace Lutheran Church where he was on the church council and served as treasurer. He was instrumental in obtaining the stained-glass windows for the church.  Jim was part of Parker’s Volunteer Fire Department for many years, and that brotherhood would give him many bonds of friendship and enjoyment. Jim supported local Parker events and sports and even helped bring his favorite sport, baseball, to Parker.

Jim became a Shriner and loved all of the benefits it had to helping others in need. He achieved the Mason title in 1973 and earned his 50-year pin. He also became a member of Eastern Star, helped with Job’s Daughters and was active as Grand Patron (while Connie was Worthy Grand Matron). Other organizations Jim belonged to were Sertoma Club, Kiwanis Club and the Commercial Club. He was a long-time board member of Pioneer Memorial Hospital in Viborg in addition to the board at Turner Village. Jim was an avid blood donor, which was reflective of his giving personality.

Jim was passionate about running, he completed two half marathons and earned many medals. His favorite pastimes were spending time with his grandkids, working in his yard, watching the Minnesota Twins and all things SDSU Jackrabbits.

Jim will be remembered as a kind and optimistic person. He was self-proclaimed as “a bit of a maverick” and he always taught his children to look at the glass half-full. His advice for others was to be compassionate, understanding, grateful, and charitable. “Do not procrastinate! Be responsible for your own actions and treat people with kindness”.

Jim is survived by his daughters Jenna Walz (Russ) of Sioux Falls, Carri Malde of Parker; sisters Wanda Freng (Larry) of Sioux Falls and Gwendy Sorensen (Rick) of Apple Valley, MN; sister-in-law Wynona Collar of The Dalles, Oregon. Grandsons Matt Malde (Tracie and sons Shawn and Bruce), Garrett Walz (Anna), Korey Walz (Ciara), Tanner White, Brent Mowery. Granddaughters Krista Malde (Chad and son Colin, daughter Emma) and Kaycee Walz (Francis).

Jim was preceded in death by his son Carl, his wife Connie, parents Mildred and Noble, two brothers, Charles and William, and two sisters, Phyllis and Janet.

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