James Wendell Leafstedt of Alcester, SD passed away on September 5, 2024, at age 88.

Born on June 13, 1936, in Hudson, SD to Wendell and Marguerite (Peterson) Leafstedt, James was raised on the family farm near Alcester, homesteaded in 1874. where his lifelong love for agriculture and family developed.

After graduating from Alcester High School in 1954, James studied animal science at South Dakota State University. On August 10, 1957, just prior to his last year of college, he married his high school sweetheart, Melva Jacobson; he often remarked that his best college grades came after marriage.

Following graduation, James served in the U.S. Air Force in Florida where he and Melva were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Charlotte.  In 1961, James returned to Alcester as the fourth generation on the family farm.  Soon thereafter, their son, Jon, was born.

While James enjoyed all aspects of farming, his early farming years centered on developing champion genetics in his purebred hogs. For six weeks each summer, he competed at hog shows and fairs across the U.S., often turning those trips into family vacations. Helping Jon and Charlotte with their 4-H livestock projects was also a priority.

James' professional focus shifted dramatically after the hog operation suffered heavy losses in 1976 due to the disease pseudorabies. This emotionally wrenching setback spurred him to become deeply involved in national efforts to eradicate pseudorabies and combat other livestock diseases.

James became a leading figure in U.S. animal health and regulatory policy, ascending to chair and committee leader in state and national organizations like U.S. Animal Health Association, National Pork Board, and SD Animal Industry Board.  His keen ability to build consensus and to articulate producers' perspectives enabled him to coalesce producers, regulators, and researchers on regulatory issues.

These and other organizations, including the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, honored James with their highest service award for his tireless dedication and impactful work.  James and Melva cherished traveling together to these meetings across the U.S. and abroad. These shared experiences, where they formed lasting friendships with other couples, added a special dimension to this aspect of his professional life and their marriage.

The family's agricultural legacy strengthened through James' children and grandchildren as all have educational and professional connections to agriculture.  In 1985, James welcomed son-in-law Steve into the farming operation, and in 2020, he proudly saw the sixth generation, granddaughter Leah and her husband Josh, take over the family farm.

James took great pride in his five grandchildren. They treasure memories of riding with Grandpa Jim in the combine and golf cart, enjoying family dinners, devouring his Nueske's bacon, and seeing Grandma Melva and him at their sporting events, concerts, 4-H shows, and dance recitals. Late in life, visits by his great-grandchildren brought James great joy.

A lifelong member of Big Springs Baptist Church, James served in various leadership roles in the church.  He strived to reflect his Christian faith in everyday living. James also contributed to his community as a director for State Bank of Alcester, South Lincoln Rural Water Board, and Clay Union Farm Mutual Insurance Board and as a long-time member of Alcester Lions Club.

James was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Melva; brother, Stuart Leafstedt and sister-in-law, Muriel; and brother-in-law, Lowell Jacobson. He is survived by his daughter, Charlotte (Steve) Rommereim; son, Jonathan (Carla) Leafstedt; grandchildren: Lara (Matt) Fodness, Leah (Josh) Gradert, William (Elise) Leafstedt, Thomas Leafstedt, and Catherine Leafstedt; great-grandchildren: Milo, Ellie, and Clint Fodness, Jameson and Walker Gradert; sister-in-law, Beverly Jacobson; nieces and nephews: Jennifer Jacobson, Julie Coney, Carl and Matthew Leafstedt, and Anne Hussian; and many extended family members and friends.

Visitation will be held at Big Springs Baptist Church, rural Alcester, SD, from 5:00-7:00 pm on Monday, September 16. The funeral service will take place at the church at 11:00 am on Tuesday, September 17, followed by a luncheon.

For those who wish to make a donation in James' memory, memorials can be directed to the James W. Leafstedt Family Trust. The family will later choose specific charities to honor his legacy.