James “Jim” Edward Grace
May 2, 1953 ~ June 28, 2021

Jim Grace, 68, of Valley Springs, died peacefully, Monday, June 28, 2021, at the Sanford Foundations Cottage in Sioux Falls, after a brief bout with cancer, surrounded by his family.
Funeral Services are set for 3:00 pm, Friday, July 2, 2021, at Heartland Funeral Home, with family present at 2pm to greet visitors. . A celebration and reception will be held immediately following at the VFW in Brandon.
James Edward Grace was born on May 2, 1953, in Aberdeen, SD, to Wesley Eldred and Doris Eleanor (Heberer) Grace. Jim graduated from Groton High School and then attended Lake Area Vo-tech and received a degree in Building Trades. On September 6, 1976, Jim married Lois Pletten. He worked various jobs in the area. In 1981, he married Brenda Erickson. To this union, Jim was blessed with four children; Jodee, Bobbie, Brandi and Amanda. The family moved to the Valley Springs area in 1987. Jim worked as a custodian for the Valley Springs Elementary and the Brandon Elementary Schools for approximately 15 years. He then worked at Showplace Cabinetry as a custom cabinet builder until he retired in 2019, to enjoy life.
Jim enjoyed fishing, basketball, and races. He had recently started working out at the gym. After retirement, he purchased a Mustang convertible which was his pride and joy. He loved his Happy Hour dates at his three favorite locations. Some of Jim’s favorite sayings were:
“The only way someone can beat you is if you let them”
“So, it should end where it all began”
“Be who you are” and “It is what it is!”
Jim is survived by his four daughters, Jodee Westerbur, Sioux Falls, Bobbie (Chris) Safar, Valley Springs, Brandi Grace (Brian Bradley), Garretson, Amanda (Cameron) Benolkin, Harrisburg; eight grandchildren, Taylor (Aaron), Tessa (Jordyn), Zoey, Kennedy, Justis, Jackson, Aiden, and Julia; great-grandchild, William; three siblings, Ron Grace, Brighton, CO, Pamela Carlson, Aurora, CO, and Marilyn Minero-Grace, Denver, CO; four foster siblings, Beverly Sombke, Groton, SD, Lavonne Gesling, Harrisburg, SD, Wilber (Judy) Albrecht, Columbia, SD, and Leland (Vickie) Albrecht, Wisconsin Rapids, WI.
James is preceded in death by his parents, Wesley and Doris Grace; his foster parents, Fred and Grace Albrecht; two siblings, Gerald Grace, and Cynthia Grace; and two brothers-in-law, Darrell Sombke, and Mick Gesling.
My heart goes out to all you girls and families. I know Jim loved you all so very much. God’s peace be with you and cherish your wonderful memories.
Jimmy you will truly be missed, you were such a sweet soul. I am so glad that you are no longer in pain. Rest peacefully Jim.
You left too soon, Jim, but we understand your desire to join our loved ones and end your pain here. Your smile will always be a sweet memory.
My old friend , We never got the chance for one more time , I’ll never forget the days when the party was what we lived for .So many good times and memories .Until we meet again a toast to you my friend Rest your work is done ,Have Peace .
I was so sad to hear about Jim’s passing, he was a good guy, may you rest in Peace Jim your Journey here is done.
Prayers to Brandi and your family.