James "Jim" Becking

James Thomas Becking was born on December 14, 1934, to John and Elizabeth (Burke) Becking at Watertown, South Dakota. He was baptized and confirmed into the Catholic faith and attended country school near the family farm. After his education, Jim began his lifelong career in farming.

On June 25, 1955, he married Ardys Mikkelson at Florence, South Dakota. The couple made their home on a farm south of Webster. Together they raised their four children, Gary, Nancy, Randy, and Barb. After 48 years of farming, Jim retired and in 2008, the couple moved to Webster. Jim worked for the Day County Soil Conservation for 20 years and received the District Employee Award of Excellence in 2019.

Jim was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church. He was also an active member of Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed mechanic work, which included taking classes at Lake Area Tech. He also enjoyed dancing, especially square dancing, and polkas!

Jim passed away Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the age of 89 years, 2 months, and 26 days.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ardys of Webster, SD, children, Gary Becking of Webster, SD, Nancy (Bob) Paulson of Milbank, SD, Randy (Kathy) Becking of Sioux Falls, SD, and Barb (Cal) Nygaard of Aberdeen, SD, eight grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Elizabeth Becking and siblings, Marge Anderson, and Jerry Becking.