James J. Yost

James was born to James Jerome and Mary Rose (Joyce) Yost in Miller, SD. He grew up in Hand County and always had plenty of amusing stories to share about small town life. He graduated from Miller school and enlisted in the Navy in 1952 and discharged in 1954. The years following he worked construction in Miller the line at Big Bend Dam to Duluth MN, the Garrison Dam line to Bismarck ND, the SD highway Dept., plumbing and heating, land surveyor and a gas attendant in Minneapolis.

He awoke one morning to 41 degrees below zero and he and Chet Seely left for Denver, where he met Darlene R. (Greuel) Walker, who was originally from Fargo, ND. She was a widow with four children who he raised as his own, together they had three more, making a family of nine. In 1963 he was employed by Public Service Company of Colorado and retired 33 years later as Senior Building Engineer. During these years the family lived in the same home on Elati Street. Some of what he enjoyed: Colorado big game hunting, South Dakota pheasant hunts, football season, golden glove boxing, poker games with his friends, pinnocle card parties, company picnics, stock show and rodeo, raising St. Bernards, singing songs to his family, dancing, church activities (especially with the youth group), and family trips back to Miller to see his Mother and relations to who he was very close. One highlight was taking his mother to Ireland in 1985 in search of their roots. He took great pride in his gardening, always had a great yard, and was especially proud of his fruit trees and raspberries. Above these, "Papa Jimmy" enjoyed his children and grandchildren most of all.

In July of 2004 he was diagnosed with fourth stage lung cancer. He is somewhat of a miracle to have fought for so long. He loved this life, his family, and his many friends. He will be missed.

He is survived by his children: Deborah (Bill) Lammie, Douglas (Debbie) Walker, Donna (Steve) Gregory, Yvonne Michael, Mary (Charles) Camarillo, Katherine (Tom) Jones, 27 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings: Jack (Mary) Seeman, Joyce Schoenfelder, Kathleen Biever, and Jerry (Judy) Yost, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by: his wife Darlene, son Darrell, brothers Milford and Robert, and both parents.