James Fetter

James “Jim” Fetter passed away November 8, 2019 at the Mountain View Nursing Home in Rapid City, SD after a long fight with Parkinson’s Disease.

Jim was born March 11, 1933 to Orvill and Bernice (Kimball) Fetter at Patricia, SD. He was the eldest of nine children. He went to country school at Patricia and then attended high school in Martin through his junior year.

He married Melba Lorraine Utterback on August 24, 1952. They had five children: Rose Marie (Leonard) Schwaderer, Shirley Ann Kroger, Tracy Lynn O’Rourke, Duaine James (Tonnie) Fetter and Melvin Leroy (Cassandra) Fetter.

He lived his whole life in the Martin area except when he went to the service. Throughout his life he worked for the State of Port of Entry, managed a lumber yard, drove a gas truck and delivered the mail. Whenever someone needed help, he was there to lend a hand.

He enjoyed his work with the American Legion. One of his favorites was driving the Vets to their medical appointments. If he wasn’t able to drive his vehicle, he found someone to drive it. He enjoyed the ability to be active and have a fellowship with the other Vets.

Jim is survived by his children Rose, Shirley, Tracy, Duaine and Melvin, sisters Opal Hopper and Judy Tallman, brother Jack (Lela) Fetter, many nieces and nephews, 10 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Melba, grandson Robert Fetter, son-in-law David Kroger, 4 brothers; John and Roy and two infants; sister Alice Harvey and parents Orvill and Bernice.