James J. Jares, 90, of Winner, SD passed away on Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at the Avera Mary House Care Facility in Pierre, SD.  Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at 10:00AM at the Christ Lutheran Church in Winner, SD.  Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery.  A visitation will be held on Monday, March 18, 2019 from 6-7PM with a prayer service beginning at 7:00PM at the Christ Lutheran Church.

James Joseph Jares was born May 11, 1928 in Winner, South Dakota to Jerry and Mary (Cink) Jares.

Jim was the middle child of seven having three sisters and three brothers.   Jim was raised on his parents' farm Southeast of Winner where they raised grain, horses, cattle, hogs, chickens, and a large garden.

Jim attended the Rose Hill country school and then Winner High School.    A few days before graduating in the Class of 1946 the school principal Mr. Hafnor requested Jim come to the office.   He was informed Farmers State Bank had inquired of a young person possibly interested in working for the bank.   Mr. Hafnor had suggested Jim.   Jim started working for Farmers State Bank immediately thereafter.

In January 1951 three friends, Jim Jares, Jim Storms, and Glen Huddle enlisted in the United States Air Force.   Jim served for four years with a duty station in Bremerhaven, Germany.   After his discharge from the Air Force in 1955 he returned to his employment with the bank in Winner.   In 1958 Jim moved to Mission, South Dakota where he opened the Mission Branch of the Farmers State Bank.

In 1962 Jim returned to the bank in Winner and married Nola Jean Boes.    Their son Jason was born in 1968.   Jim became bank president in 1988.   He retired after 44 years in the banking industry.   Jim and Jean resided in the same home in Winner for over 50 years.

Jim was very proud of his service to the Winner community.  He was on numerous boards and committees for the American Legion (life member), Veterans of Foreign Wars (life member), Masonic Lodge, Christ Lutheran Church, Chamber of Commerce, South Dakota Bankers Association, Jaycees, South Dakota State Historical Society, Elks, Rotary, Golden Prairie Manor, and the Winner Golf Course among others.   Jim was known in both the professional community and to his family and friends as a man of integrity who could be trusted for sound advice or to accomplish whatever task needed to be done, large or small.

Jim enjoyed bowling and golf which he played well into his 80's.   He enjoyed pheasant hunting with family and friends and was known for impressive blocking shots on high flying roosters.    It was well known that Jim was someone to be avoided as an opponent, and sought as a partner, at any card table regardless if the game was five or ten-point pitch, Liverpool rummy, or Svick.

Jim is survived by his son Jason and wife Alison Jares of Pierre, South Dakota; two granddaughters Jesse and Julia Jares (fiancé Grant Vanden Bosch); brother Donald (Bonnie) Jares of Florida, sister Jean (Don) Kline of California; sister-in-law Donna Jares of Mitchell; sister in law Wanda Engel of Winner; sister in law Shirley Vosika of Gregory; brother in law Jim Kucera of Winner; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife Nola Jean Jares; parents Jerry and Mary Jares; brother Jerome "Jack" Jares and wife Rita; sister Peggy Vanneman and husband Ryal; sister Betty Watson and husband J.E.; brother Wayne Jares; brother in law Leon Boes; brother in law Naven Boes and wife Opal; sister in law Darnytia Kucera and husbands Joe Kucera and Bob Heying; brother in law Melvin Engel; brother in law Ivan Vosika; sister in law Orvilla Hanig and husband John; sister in law Vivian Klein and husband Ruben.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of the Golden Prairie Manor, the staff of the Winner Regional Hospital, and the staff of Mary House of Pierre, South Dakota for their kindness and outstanding service.