James Harsin, 68, of Okreek, SD passed away on Friday, September 18, 2026 at his home in Okreek. Funeral service will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026 at 10:30 AM at the Calvary Episcopal Church in Okreek, SD. Burial will follow at the Hillview Cemetery near Dallas, SD at 3:00 PM. A visitation will be held one hour prior to funeral service.

Jim was born to Cecil and Leona (Nightpipe) Harsin in Winner, South Dakota on June 10, 1958. 

Jim was the fourth of the six Harsin kids. He was raised in Gregory and attended Gregory Schools. He was an accomplished athlete, holding the Gregory High School record for most points scored in a basketball game for 45 years. His record of 43 points stood until 2021. He also held the record for longest broad jump until 2002.

Jim married Debra Jean Hildebrand on October 15, 1977. Jim and Deb lived in the Yankton and Tyndall area, adding to the family children Misty, Josh and Melissa.

Jim worked as an over the road truck driver, mechanic, carpenter and welder. He could fix anything. In his later years he lived in Mission, working at Assman Implement. He moved to Okreek in 2020.

Jim became a dedicated dog lover at an early age and this love continued throughout his life. He always had one to six dogs. He also enjoyed reminiscing with his sisters about the “old days”, family adventures in Gregory, visits to grandparents, camping in the Black Hills and Ghost Hawk, camper trips to Utah. He, along with brother Arylin, took loving care of their Mom, Leona, as she fought cancer the last five years of her life. He ended every call or voicemail with “I love you.”

Jim is survived by his children Misty McGaugh (Carl), Joshua and Melissa, their children, grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He also leaves his sweet dog Gina, his sister Lynda Ehrich (Tom), sister-in-law Michelle Harsin (Louie) and stepmom Linda Harsin (Cecil), as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leona and Cecil Harsin, his ex-wife Debra, sisters Jean Cole, Leigh Lyon and husband Randy Lyon, brothers Arylin and Cecil, Jr. (Louie).

He liked to say, “Remember the time we…” Then laugh at whatever memory that might be. He would want to be remembered for the good times shared.