James “Jim” Amdahl

James “Jim” Amdahl, 73, of Flandreau, S. Dak., passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, January 22, 2024, at the Flandreau Community Center. Visitation with the family present will take place from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at Skroch Funeral Chapel in Flandreau.

Jim was born on August 12, 1950, in Lanesboro, Minn., to Orval and Marie (Gilbertson) Amdahl. He graduated from Preston High School in 1968 and continued his education at Winona State College, majoring in industrial arts.  Jim was drafted into the Navy in 1972. During his four-year deployment, Jim’s specialized skills led him into the Construction Battalion, where he built barracks, hospitals, runaways and powerplants. 

Following his service, Jim returned to the lumber yard in Preston, Minn., until 1982. Shortly after, Jim was sought out for a management position at the lumber yard in Flandreau, S. Dak. On April 17, 1982, Jim married Kimberly Jean Vreeman in Cherry Grove, Minn. Jim managed the Great Plains Lumber Yard in Flandreau, until they purchased it in 1986. Together, Jim and Kim owned J&K Building Center for 32 years. Jim was one of the friendliest business owners. Patrons of J&K were treated like family and were always welcomed for a warm cup of coffee and a good laugh. Jim was very active in his community and proudly served on the Flandreau Fire Department for over 30 years. Jim and Kim sold J&K Building Center in 2018.

Jim enjoyed horseback riding and going on trail rides with his family and friends. He had a passion for all things music. His favorite country music singer was George Strait. Jim was a great dancer and enjoyed polka, waltz, two-step and jitterbug. He adored his nine grandchildren and loved spending time with friends and family. He loved to go trail riding in his side by side, go on camping trips, and hunting.  He enjoyed reading, especially western novels. He would swap books with other friends. He also loved watching westerns. 

Jim is survived by his wife Kim, three children: Kirstin (Erik) Amdahl Norris, Rochester, Minn., Cody (Leanne) Amdahl, Flandreau, S. Dak., and Chase (Kortney) Amdahl, Flandreau, S. Dak.; nine grandchildren: Lee, Logan, Lynndin, Elodie, Liberty, Mayvre, Boyd, Ranger, and Sylvie; sister Karyl (Steve) Tammel, Cherry Grove, Minn.; sister-in-law Diane Amdahl, Rochester, Minn.; brother-in-law Micheal O’ Loughlin, Savage, Minn.; and brother-in-law Chuck Forland, Spring Valley, Minn. 

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Orval and Marie, siblings Anne O’Loughlin and Ron Amdahl, in-laws Kenny and Johannah Vreeman, and grand-daughter Liberty Jo “Jojo” Amdahl.