James Leroy Brazee

July 7, 1944 ~ August 25, 2015

James L. Brazee, 71, Valley Springs, died Tuesday, August 25, 2015, at home after a courageous battle with cancer.

Memorial services will be 1:30pm, Saturday, August 29, 2015, at Heartland Funeral Home, with family visitation beginning at Noon. Full Military Honors will follow the service.

James Leroy Brazee was born July 7, 1944, in Sioux Falls, to Howard and Amy (Branum) Brazee. Due to his father’s occupation, the family moved multiple places before Jim graduated high school from Ft. Pierre, SD. Upon graduation, Jim joined the US Army, where he met the love of his life, Carlyn Huls. The couple was married right after Jim’s discharged from the Army, on June 18, 1966, in Minneapolis, MN.

Jim worked in an electrical warehouse as a project estimator and wholesale salesperson in Minneapolis, before transferring to Aberdeen. Then, in 1987, Jim transferred to Sioux Falls, and he and the family moved to Valley Springs. He retired in 2009, from Dakota Supply Group.

Jim’s first love was his family. He cared deeply for his children and was an unwavering husband for his wife. He always made sure everyone was home safe after work during bad weather. He loved to spend holidays with his grandkids and was thankful every time the family was together. Vacationing with the family was always a trip to the Black Hills or trips to other family members throughout the United States. Jim also liked to work on race cars and “hobby” cars. Body work, upholstery, engines, or just tinkering was where he wanted to be at. He was also a diehard NASCAR and Viking fan, even in the worst times, and there was always “next year.” Jim also enjoyed helping the boys; both Trev, on the farm, with projects and harvest, and Jerod, with projects around his house and on cars.

Jim will be deeply missed by his wife, Carlyn; two children, Barb (Trev) Dawley, Valley Springs, and Jerod (Cindy) Brazee, Garretson; five grandchildren, Brittany, Chandler, Taylor, Natalie, and Carson; and seven brother-in-law and sister-in-laws, Marge (Rich) Lauring, Cushing, WI, Lorraine Shafer, Richfield, MN, Hubert Huls, Forrest Lake, MN, Harold Huls, Coon Rapids, MN, Harlen (Sheila) Huls, Lino Lakes, MN, Clarence (Becky) Huls, Bloomington, MN, and Janet Sorakrai, Richfield, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Amy (Branum) Brazee; one brother, Ernest; and brother-in-law, Rex Shafer.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

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