Jim Flakus, 66, of Colome, SD, passed away on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at the Winner Regional Healthcare Center in Winner, SD. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 13, at St. Mary’s Hall in Winner, SD. Burial will be in the Colome Cemetery in Colome, SD. Visitation will be on Friday, February 12, from 5-7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service at St. Mary’s Hall in Winner.

Jim “Big Jake” Flakus was born October 20, 1943 in Colome, South Dakota to Cliff and Catherine (London) Flakus. In 1953 the family moved to Spaulding, Nebraska where Jim attended and graduated from Spaulding Academy in 1961. He later attended Huron College on a football scholarship. On January 19, 1963 he married Connie Morgan. The Lord blessed Jim and Connie with five children and 12 beautiful grandchildren.

Faith, family and friends were the center of Jim’s life. His faith in the Lord was the cornerstone of his upbringing and provided him comfort throughout his life. His love of family and friends could only be rivaled by his love of sports.

Jim & Connie enjoyed a life filled with love and laughter. He treasured time spent with his daughters, sons and grandchildren.

Jim will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Connie, his children: Carrie (Marty) Johnson, Mike (Karen) Flakus, Sam (Shana) Flakus, Zach (Amy) Flakus, Manda (Brett) Rezatto, 12 grandchildren; Kayla, Spencer, Mason, Brynn, Kelsey, Kristen, Payton, London, Mattison, Lincoln, Jake and Samson, sisters, Judy (Lyle) Berry, Cathy (Mark) Horan, Victoria (Mark) Gronlund, and Michaela Driscoll, one brother Marty (Karleen) Flakus, several nieces, nephews and many friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Cliff and Catherine Flakus, his mother & father in-law Spencer and Maxine Morgan and his long time friend Larry Flakus.