James "Jim" Petoske Obituary

Jim Petoske, age 67, a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully June 27th, 2025 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD, after a long and courageous battle with multiple medical conditions with his wife Barbara and family by his side.

James Peter Petoske was born May 1, 1958 in Pierre, SD, the only son of Clarence and Arline (Nelson) Petoske. He joined 4 sisters Barbara, Carol, Jodene, and Jill in the new house on the hill in Midland, SD. He was also the first baby baptized in the newly constructed Catholic Church in Midland.

Jim received his elementary and secondary education in Midland, graduating in 1976. He enjoyed football, basketball, and fast cars in high school. Turning the wrench came naturally for him and he went on to Springfield Technical School and graduated with a 2-year mechanics degree. It only seemed fitting for him to come back and work for his dad’s construction company. With Smokey’s guidance he eventually bought Petoske Construction and ran it for 34 years.

Jim met Barb McCormick from Kadoka and there was an immediate romance. On August 10th, 1979 they married in the Catholic Church in Midland and worked on their marriage for almost 46 years. In 1980 they built their house on the hill and the transformation of the hill began. Jim was very creative with their yard and landscaping for years getting it just right. And, we can’t forget the many trees he nurtured too!

In 1981 the surprise twins were born — Kory James and Kevin Earl. Then the girls, Lori Jo in 1984 and Amy Mae, 1989, completed the family. Many years of running the business and going to activities for the kids began. He made the extra effort to get to as many of the kids’ activities as he could. He was extremely proud of all their effort and accomplishments.

Being a businessman in a small town you get involved. And he did! He served on the Church board, Commercial Club, helped with the museum and the State LICA group, where he served on the board and also took a term as President. Many business acquaintances became lifelong friends and always remembered his slogan, “We’ll Do Your Dam Work.”

As health issues began, Jim was forced to retire early and was grateful to his nephew Jon for buying the business and adding it to his existing trenching business. Smokey’s business continues on. To be closer to medical care and family, he and Barb sold their property and bought their house on Shaw Ave in Sioux Falls. Grandkids were coming and they could be involved and help out with them when needed. He was also busy with his little side hustle “Jim’s Junk.” He crafted license plate art, along with many projects made out of all kinds of material. Jim had an artistic flare and great vision and truly enjoyed making things. He was extra proud of all the grandkids’ interests and effort in sports, school, music, etc. They will miss Papa being in attendance and keeping stats.

The family is truly grateful to all the healthcare professionals everywhere who did their very best to figure out Jim’s medical complexities. Doctors, nurses, ambulance drivers, EMTs, etc. You are so very important and we thank you for it all!

Survivors include his wife Barbara of Sioux Falls; sons Kory (April) of Harrisburg and Kevin (Emily) of Sioux Falls; daughters Lori (Nick) Yunker of Cheyenne, WY, and Amy (Jordan) Miller of Alcester, SD. 8 grandchildren: Reese, Alexis, Gavin and Sam Petoske, Evalyn and Eric (plus new baby in July) Miller and Cannon and Hannah Yunker. Sisters Barbara (Morris) Jones of Midland, Carol Snook of Alton, IL, Jody (Gary) Block of Midland, Father-in-law, Robert McCormick of Philip, SD, sisters-in-laws Marcia McCormick of Kadoka, Nancy (Marv) Majerus of Buffalo WY; brother-in-law Bob Eckert of Kadoka and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Arline Petoske, sister Jill Eckert, mother-in-law Ardis McCormick, and brother-in-law Leland Snook.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 5, at St. William Catholic Church in Midland.

Interment will follow at the Midland Cemetery.

Guest Book

Barb and family,
We are so very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a truly wonderful man and we were blessed to have met him during our years in Midland. Our thoughts and prayers to you all and may your memories bring you much comfort.
Hal and Tammy
~ Hal and Tammy Jewett Belle Fourche, SD (6/29/2025)

Barb, our deepest condolences to you and your family. Jim & I grew up together and was a great friend to myself and countless others. While I am deeply saddened by his passing, there is now another shining star in heaven
~ Tom Finn Philip (6/29/2025)

Barb, Kevin, Kory, Lori, Amy and Families-I am so very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. What a wonderful man; always so kind and dedicated to his family. He always had a smile.
I know how you will all miss him. I will be praying that God keeps you close and helps you through this very difficult time.
~ Julie McLaughlin Midland (6/29/2025)

Jim was just a great all around guy. Always a grin and a kind word. He will be missed. God be with all of his family.
~ Lyndy Ireland Philip, SD (6/30/2025)

Barb, I am so sorry to be reading this. I will keep you and the family in my thoughts and prayers.
~ Mike McDonnel 5716 West Dardanella Road Sioux Falls, SD (6/30/2025)

We were so sorry to hear about Jim we will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers. We hope all the happy memories you shared with Jim will help you through this difficult time. Jim will certainly be missed by all who knew and loved him
~ Dean and Sherrie Midland (7/2/2025)

Well all miss your great inventions!
~ Henry bakker - Pickers Sioux falls (7/3/2025)

May knowing others share your sorrow, ease yours. Hoping pleasant memories can boost your spirits. Our sincere condolences. Terry and Dyan Nagel
~ Terry Nagel Lead (6/30/2025)

To sisters Barb and Carol and their families as well as the Petiske family at large...Please accept our condolences on Jim's passing. I remember him as being a great guy. I last saw Jim at a get-together at Smokey and Arline's and Jim and I played catch with a baseball. All our love, Pat and Sheila Haddock
~ Pat Haddock Omaha, NE (7/7/2025)

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, sending God's peace to comfort you. Jim was a blessing and will be dearly missed. We will be with you in spirit, my son Aaron and fiancé will be attending the services for us. God's speed Jim we love you and Barb.
~ Bruce and Diane Wickberg Arizona (6/30/2025)

I am so sorry to hear about Jim...we had some wonderful times growing up. He was such a sweet cousin. My condolences to Barb and the rest of the family.❤❤
~ Dena Merchen Powder Springs (6/30/2025)

My wonderful cousin Jim will be truly missed. Wishing all Jim's family and friends God's blessings and healing love.
~ Randall Nelson North Carolina (7/6/2025)

Dear Barb and families, Keeping you and yours in our thoughts and prayers 🙏. Cherish the many memories you all have made. Will miss seeing all the art and craft pieces Jim has made along the way in the last few years.
~ BettyAnn Highmore (7/3/2025)