James Oliver Wrage

James O. Wrage, age 91, of Colton, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2020, at Ava's House in Sioux Falls. Memorial service will begin at 10:00 AM, Monday, March 16, 2020 , at the United Methodist Church, Colton. Memorial visitation will be from 4-6:00 PM Sunday, March 15, 2020 , at the Minnehaha Funeral Chapel, Colton, and one hour prior to the services at the church.

Jim served in the Navy onboard the USS Abnaki and was a member of the American Legion for 65 years. After marrying Alice Colledge on Aug.25,1952 they made their home in Colton. He worked for Sioux Valley Telco for 35 years. In the community of Colton he was an active member serving as the Chief of the local fire department for several years.

Jim could be found every Sunday at the United Methodist Church, but he practiced his religion at home too, often having conversations with God when needed. Jim loved little children and babies so much even after having 6 of his own, he could hold them for hours. He had a twinkle in his eye whenever they came around.

Jim spent many years adventuring on his motorcycle, having been to all 50 states and Sturgis several times. He and Alice traveled not only with their motorbike, but also with their motorhome and came back with new stories and new friends every year. Speaking of stories, he had the best. He could have written several books full of them & a few full of jokes. We can all hear the admonishing “Jim!” when Alice was serious about something and Jim started to tell a joke. His humor was one of his greatest qualities.

He loved Country-Western, not the kind you hear on the radio today, the ‘real’ Old Country Western and Bluegrass. There was rarely a summer day when Marty Robbins, Mel Tillis or Johnny Cash wasn’t blaring from his radio. If there was a perfect day for Jim, it would have been at a Country\Bluegrass festival, surrounded by his little grandkids watching an old tractor threshing bee show. That’s probably what he’s putting on his old tractor calendar with Grandma in heaven now.

An annual family camping tradition has been kept up for over 35 years, which will be continued and cherished. He instilled a love of adventure in his children and grandchildren.

Jim taught his family so many things; how to love wholly, the art of patience, a true act of charity and what it means to be a good person. He will be missed and fondly remembered by so many, but his love was so bright, it will continue to shine on.

Blessed beyond words for having Jim in their lives are his children: Cindy (Kent) Johnson, Baltic, Connie Jones, Eagan, MN, Candi Warren, Boise, ID, Gaye Haugen, Colton, John (Nikki) Wrage, Marion, SD, and Adam (Nancy) Wrage, Gwinner, ND; grandchildren: Kerri, Kelsi (Jason), Wyatt (Dana), Brandon (Timmi), Summer (Anthony), Tory (AJ), Alicia (Dave), Sam, Kayla (Brandon), Jessi (Reid), Stacia, Jackie (Mike), Walter, and Kami; great-grandchildren: Nicole (Jared), Sidney, Cael, Ivy, Ryker, Garrick, Jagger, Ava, Liliana, Carter, Harlee, McKenzie, Alyza, Gavin, Maddox, Jacoby, Carissa, Daniel, and Logan; great-great grandchildren: Haislee and Baby Girl Questad (on the way); and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice; brothers, Don and Ken; sister, Alice Krueger; and a son-in-law, Edward Warren.