James (Durwin) Messler died on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at the age of 72, at Allen Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa. Jim was born in Beresford, South Dakota on January 1, 1953 to Ray and Avis (Newbold) Messler. He is the second of four brothers, with Leon being the eldest, Calvin, and Ed, the youngest. The family was actively involved in the Emmanuel Lutheran Church where Jim was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith.

During his high school years, Jim was involved in sports, football, wrestling and track, as well as music during his four years of BHS. He also participated in chorus for four years. As a Junior, Jim went on a 50-mile canoe adventure with friends in Manitoba, Canada.

Jim enrolled at the University of South Dakota in 1974 and graduated in 1978 with a Degree of an Associate of Liberal Arts. After graduation, Jim worked for several companies in Sioux City, IA, Elk Point. He then came back to his home town of Beresford and began working at Showplace, Inc. and Truck Towne for the past 40 years.

During all of Jim's difficult times, he remained a positive person. Jim was a jovial and friendly person who enjoyed his Faith, Family and friends. He loved music, playing darts and pool with his friends. Colored markers and his "picture" cards with well written messages brightened everyone's day. Jim was close to his family and special friends. Thank you.

Jim spent a period of time in his life with health issues. He managed to recuperate from a five-month hospitalization at Select Specialty Hospital in Sioux Falls, Thanks to an awesome medical team, Jim recovered well, able to eat food again and then transferred to Aspire Skilled Nursing Facility at Lake Park, Iowa. Jim was happy at Aspire and passed time relaxing with his "artwork with Bible verses and lots of phone calls from friends and relatives. With the closing of Aspire Skilled Nursing facility, Jim was transferred to Pillar Care Center, where he experienced another health issue and brought him home to his final Heavenly destination. It is with both sadness and joy that we celebrate Jim's newness of life and the beauty and peace of Jesus and the comfort of heavenly family members and friends for Jim.

Jim is survived by his mother, Avis; brother, Leon (Marlene) of Tea; Leon's daughters, Shannon and Abbey; Cal's wife, Bremie of Reseda, CA; brother, Ed (Karyn); Ed's sons Joshua, Robert (Rebecca) and Thomas; as well as many favorite cousins. His father, Ray; and brother, Cal, preceded him in death.

Jim's burial service will be held on July 22, 2025 at 10:00AM at the Dalesburg Lutheran Cemetery , 30701-30709 464th Ave, Centerville, SD 57014 for family and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held at Wass Funeral Home, 301 N 3rd Street, Beresford, SD 57004 at 11:00AM .