Jim York

Jimmy Lee York 72 of Martin, South Dakota passed away April 19, 2019 at the Bennett County Hospital. Jimmy was born on August 27,1946 in Bayard Nebraska, the son of Lloyd Dale and Wilma Irene York, he was the oldest of 5 children. He spent his younger years in Bayard and later moved to Chadron, NE before moving to Martin SD on Feb. 14, 1960. He attended school at Bennett County Grade School and High School.

He married Sharon Kelly in 1965 and to this union two children were born Lila Mae and Stephen Allen. He later had a son Robert James Fetter with Rosie Fetter. He then married Cynthia Sterkel on July 25, 1975 and to this union 2 children were born Christopher Lee and Walter Dale.

Jim started working for Dick and Vi Coon at the Chevrolet Dealership at the age of 13. Over the 30 years he worked at Coon’s he was able to work side by side with his father Lloyd and worked his way up to being a manager. In 1992 he then established his own business Jim’s Body Shop with his son Stephen and later his son Walter joined the business.Through his years at Coon’s and his 26 years at Jim’s Body Shop, he built great relationships within the community and surrounding area. He was always willing to help someone out, even if they were strangers. Jim and his wife opened there home to many. He had a huge heart and loved life.

Jim’s favorite past time was to go hunting and camping. He enjoyed his time with family going on fishing trips to the Missouri River and to Ron Letelliers with Fred Cano. Jim looked forward to the annual antelope camping trip at the Wayne Cope Ranch. Over the 25 years Paul Coon and his boys, Fred Cano and his son Justin as well as numerous other friends and family members were included in these trips,

His true pride and joy was enjoying time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. They enjoyed playing cards, marbles, and zilch. He also loved taking his family on drives.

Survivors include his wife Cynthia, daughter Lila Mae (Ron) of Martin, SD, son Stephen Allen of Martin, SD, son Christopher Lee of Rapid City, SD, son Walter Dale (Melita) of Martin, SD; grandchildren Lindsey, Tiara, Paige, Frankie, Hunter, Trisha, Cameron, Gregory, Katie, Hurley, Hannah, Ariana, Adalena, and Chris Jr. Great grandchildren Mason, Braylen, Harper, Sylan, Kazzlyn, and Aroura. Sisters Linda Leetch, Debra Fralick, Margaret York all of Albion NE, Carol (Ron) Bucholz of Charlo MT, brother Lloyd (Missy)York of Gordon NE, brothers in law Joe Jones of Enterprise AL, Richard (Donna) Sterkel, Johnny (Wanda) Sterkel of Rapid City SD, sister in law Debra (Tom) Evans of Gordon NE, and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim is preceded in death by his parents Lloyd and Wilma York, Walter and Lucille Sterkel, son Robert James, daughter Jennifer Ann, brother in laws Ted Fralick and Hank Leetch, niece Brenda Leetch, and sister in law Carol Jones.

Memorial services will be held at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church of Martin, SD on Friday the 26th of April at 10:00 a.m. by Pastor Hillmann. Inurnment will be at the Martin Community Cemetery following the service. A memorial has been established and donations may be sent to Bennett County Funeral Service, PO Box 65, Martin, SD 57551.