James Mann III, age 55, of Santa Rosa, CA, formally of Winner, passed away at his home on December 29, 2015. Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, January 16, 2016 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner. Burial to follow at the Winner City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6:00-7:00 PM Friday, January 15, 2016 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with a Liturgy of the Word and a Rosary starting at 7:00PM.

Jim was born December 2, 1960 in Sturgis, South Dakota; the oldest son of James E Mann, Jr. and Barbara (Assman) Mann. He graduated from Winner High School in 1979, then entered the Mechanical Engineering program at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, and graduated in 1990 with highest honors. He would then earn his PE designation a short time later, and enjoy a long, successful career in the natural gas field; working in South Dakota, Ohio, Wyoming and eventually California. Jim took tremendous pride in his work and was praised by many colleagues for his knowledge and expert craft in the industry.

In 1982, Jim married Monica Cornay of Hot Springs, South Dakota, and they had two children – Stacie and Christopher.

Aside from work, Jim loved spending time with his family, watching silly movies, and of course - his two Boston Terriers, Harley and Max. As a former member of the Lions club, he also enjoyed giving back to his community.

Jim is survived by his children, Stacie (Caleb) Straub and Christopher Mann, both of Rapid City, South Dakota; his mother, Barbara Mann of Lead, South Dakota; a sister, Margie (Sonny) Wiley and his brother, Bill (Trudy) Mann of Winner, South Dakota, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father James, his grandparents and an uncle.

A memorial has been created in Jim's name at the School of Mines Foundation, where donations will go directly to the Mechanical Engineering program. Make checks payable to SDSM&T Foundation with a memo of "Jim Mann Memorial" or donate online at http://foundation.sdsmt.edu. Donation checks and condolences can be sent to 4012 Prairie View Dr. Rapid City, SD 57701.