Jim Gall

James R. Gall, age 95, of Yankton, South Dakota, died Monday, July 13, 2026, unexpectedly at his daughter’s farm in Dixon, Nebraska. He lived a long, meaningful life, devoted to his family, friends, and simple joys that brought him happiness.

A funeral service will be held at 2:30 PM, on Monday, July 20, 2026 at Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton. Burial will be in the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Yankton. Visitation is from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, on Sunday, July 19 at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with a prayer service at 7:00 PM. Please join the family by wearing a white T-shirt and blue jeans for his visitation on Sunday evening to honor James’s iconic attire.

Pallbearers will be Tom Brady, Roger Olson, Gerald Koster, Elliot Nysven, Brian Boese, and Tim Turner. Honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

James Gall was born at Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, South Dakota, on October 29, 1930, to John M. and Alvina (Buchholz) Gall. He married Arlene Bird on August 22, 1957. He attended Yankton public schools. He was a member of the 7th Day Adventist Church in Yankton and found peace in reading his Bible. As a young man, James had an adventurous spirit. He often shared the story of hitchhiking to wherever he wanted to travel, even hopping aboard a steam engine along the way. It became one of his favorite tales to tell, delighting family and friends with the memories of a different time and reminding them of his sense of adventure and love of storytelling.

James, in his early years, worked with his family on the fruit and vegetable farms in Washington and California; he also worked at the Gurney Chicken Hatchery and the Fish Hatchery in Yankton. He drove the school bus for the Mission Hill route. He found peace tending his garden and selling the produce: tomatoes, watermelons, and cantaloupe. The family stand was located at 2nd and Douglas Street in Yankton. He often trucked the produce out of town. James remained active, helping his neighbor, Tom with the Brady Tree Farm and Landscape business in his later years. He loved spending time with his family and his legacy lives in the values he instilled ̶ hard work, kindness, and the importance of family. James had a deep love for the outdoors, especially fishing. Whether he was setting his lines and traps or casting his line from his boat or along the shores of the Missouri River, he found joy and peace on the water. Some of the happiest moments were taking one of the family members with him and sharing those experiences. The enjoyable family summer vacations included camping and fishing in various western states. James was a gifted storyteller and wonderful historian. He had a remarkable memory and loved to share. His stories will continue to be shared for generations, keeping his legacy alive. Though he will be deeply missed, his memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him, including his family and friends.

Survivors include his three daughters: Valerie (Bill) Boese of Dixon, NE, Patricia (Gene) Novak of Gilbert, AZ, and Susan (Chuck) Turner of Pueblo West, CO; seven grandchildren: Jennifer (Erwin) Hardeman of Decatur, NE, Amy (Gavin) Slethaug of Paradise Valley, AZ, Brian (Karen) Boese of Sioux Falls, SD, Alyssa (Kyle Smith) of Wayne, NE, Sarah (Dale) Clark of Pueblo West, CO, Tim (Kendra) Turner of Pueblo, CO, and Katie Turner (fiancé, Tyler Talley) of Pueblo West, CO; nine great-grandchildren: Elliot (Lindsey) Nysven, Gabby (Sam) Vanderheiden, Mathias Slethaug, Kai Slethaug, Astrid Slethaug, Samuel Clark, Skyler Clark, Emilia Turner, Everett Turner and Aleena Boese; four great-great-grandchildren: Kayce, Kolly, and Kenna Vanderheiden, and Oliver Nysven; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Arlene on November 1, 2008; brothers: Martin, his first wife Lorraine, and his second wife, Evy Gall and John and Audrey Gall; sisters: Lorraine and Frank Tullier, Pauline and Eli Lee, MaryAnn and Elton Walker; nephew, Danny Lee; great-nephew, Daniel Vail; and many aunts and uncles.