James Lewis Truman was born March 1, 1956 in Spirit Lake, IA to parents Elwood and Donna (Sour) Truman. Jim entered into the gates of Heaven on April 22, 2016 at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD following a nine month battle with cancer. He was surrounded by many who loved him deeply.

At the age of two Jim moved to Beresford with his family where he made his home throughout his lifetime. Jim attended Beresford schools, graduating in 1974. Following high school he attended Lake Area Vo-Tech and earned a degree in building construction. He later attended the University of South Dakota. In his early adult years Jim worked for Great Plains Supply building houses. He was a skilled carpenter and many of his projects can be seen throughout Beresford, including his home. Jim later worked for the City of Beresford as head of the Parks Department. He then became a certified water treatment technician and a certified emergency dispatcher and served the city in these capacities.

On December 28, 1990 Jim married Debra (Harms) Gamble. To this union a son, Jared Lewis was born, joining three siblings, Brock, Talena and Bret Gamble. The couple raised their family together in Beresford. Deb passed away from breast cancer on March 10, 2013.

Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. Every summer he planted a garden that produced enough to can and to eat throughout the year. Many people enjoyed his variety of vegetables that he gifted them. Jim will always be remembered for his kind, thoughtful spirit and his quick wit which could easily bring a smile or laughter. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him. Blessed be Jim's memory.

Those survived by Jim are his son, Jared Truman, Madison, SD; 3 step-children, Brock (Jen) Gamble, Omaha, NE, Talena (Mike) Heikes, Sioux Falls, and Bret Gamble, Beresford; his father Elwood (Marian) Truman, Canton; 4 step-grandchildren, Jacob, Sophia and Abby Gamble and MaKayla Heikes; 3 siblings, Bob (Ranae) Truman, Rapid City, Bill (Susie) Truman, Harrisburg and Debbie (Larry) Muller, Beresford; and his mother-in-law Lily Harms, Beresford; he is also loved and survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife Deb and his mother Donna Truman.

Memorial services will be held 10:30 AM, Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at the Beresford United Church of Christ. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church.