Christian Biography of James "Jim" Lee Rilling

James Lee Rilling, the son of Richard and Loretta (Hoffman) Rilling, was born on June 16, 1943 in Highmore, South Dakota. He passed away on September 15, 2014 at the Superior Good Samaritan Society at Superior, Nebraska at the age of 71 years, 2 months, 30 days.

Jim was one of eight children. Jim attended school north of Harold, Deadwood, and Central City and graduated in 1961from Lead High School all in South Dakota. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Deadwood, South Dakota. He was baptized in Harold, South Dakota and confirmed in 1957 in the Grace Lutheran Church in Deadwood, South Dakota.

After graduating he served his country in the United States Navy on September 13, 1961, and was honorably discharged on September 10, 1965. He moved to California for a short time, but not liking the Big City went to Nelson, Nebraska and worked for Chester Bargen for many years. He worked on combines and tractors, and was known for being the best mechanic for miles around, and farmers and ranchers would wait for him specifically to work on their equipment. When Chester retired, he continued working and kept the business open. He later went to work at Reinke Manufacturing until he retired in 2010. Jim has always been a very quiet fellow, but easy to get along with and always did a lot for people. He will be missed by his family and many others.

He was a member of the American Legion Club.


He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Terry and Darrel.

He is survived by his siblings Lyle Rilling and wife Sherry of Prineville, Oregon, Iona Jordan of Whitewood, South Dakota, Joy Wermers and husband Terry of Lead, South, Dakota, Janet Creger and husband Steve of Deadwood, South Dakota and Gerald Rilling and wife Cindy of Mammoth, Arizona; special friends Roger & Judy Schoenrock, Clay Myers, and Marlys McClure and family; other relatives and a host of friends.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at 10:00 am from the Nelson Community United Church of Christ in Nelson, Nebraska with Rev. Dr. Stephen Berry officiating.

Recorded music was "How Great Thou Art," and "In The Garden."

Visitation was held on Tuesday from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Pallbearers were Roger Schoenrock, Clay Myers, Mike Honeycutt, Curtis Schiermeyer, Terry Jacobitz, and Bruce Jacobitz. Honorary Pallbearers were Brad Jordan, David Jordan, Robert Jordan, Scott Wermers, Kerry Rilling.

Interment with Full Military Honors was in the Nelson Cemetery at Nelson, Nebraska.

Memorials will go to the family.

Condolences may be sent to Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N Commercial, Superior, Nebraska 68978 or in care of www.pricefuneralhomes.com.

Megrue-Price Funeral Home of Superior, Nebraska was in charge of the arrangements.