James P. Leist, 79, of Canton, passed away Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at the Sioux Falls VA Hospital.  A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, December 15 at St. Teresa Catholic Church in Beresford, SD.  Visitation will begin one hour prior to services at the church.

Jim Leist was born November 30, 1938 in Beresford, SD to Francis and Inez (Bickett) Leist.  He grew up in Beresford and graduated from Beresford High School.  He enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served his country from 1957 to 1964.

He married Barbara Stuhr on October 14, 1987 in Sioux Falls, SD.  To their union, three children were born.  Jim worked as a roofer for Beresford Roofing and also as a welder.  He enjoyed playing cards, dominoes, completing word searches, and watching Jeopardy and the History channel.   While Barbara worked outside their home, he raised their children and loved working on projects for them, which could be anything from coloring to building go-carts.  Although seeming like a "grumpy old man," and lacking a filter, he had a soft and gentle side.  He loved his family and his faith.  He will be dearly missed.

Jim is survived by his wife, Barbara, Canton, SD; his son, Joe Leist, Canton, SD; two daughters, Stephanie (Jared) Soundy, Lincoln, NE and Jessica (Josh Cruise) Leist, Norfolk, NE; and his beloved grandson, Elijah Soundy.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings.