Obituary for Terry James, former UIC and HOF member of USA Softball of SD

For those wishing to send condolences:

Linda James 4484 Peaceful River Dr St George, Utah 84790

Jeff James 613 7th Av East Alexanderia, MN 56308 

Terry Lee James, age 74, died on December 5, 2020, at his home in St. George, UT. He was born on September 13, 1946, in Watertown, SD to Vivian and Donald James. He married Linda Imberi on December 9, 1972.

He retired from the Department of Motor Vehicles in 2008. Terry and Linda moved to sunny St. George, Utah in 2009. In his spare time, he loved cheering for his grandchildren while they played sports, going to have coffee with his buddies, going for car rides with his wife, spending time with his pets, and watching and talking about his favorite sports teams. He could carry on a conversation with anyone, and made friends with each person he met. He liked to crack jokes and make all the people around him laugh.

Terry loved the game of softball, starting his long umpire career in 1972. In 1981, he was named the umpire-in-chief for women’s and men’s slow pitch softball in South Dakota. In 1997, Terry was named the umpire-in-chief for all entities of ASA Softball for the state of South Dakota. Terry would host clinics to train both future and veteran umpires, as well as recommend and supervise umpires at the many state, regional, and national tournaments held every year.

He received the top honor of the National Umpire-In-Chief award, achieved Elite Umpire status nationally, and inducted into the National Indicator Fraternity in 1986. Voted by his peers, Terry was inducted into the South Dakota Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame in 1997.

After moving to Utah, Terry continued umpiring softball tournaments in Southern Utah. He enjoyed the camaraderie between his fellow umpires. 

Terry was involved in many clubs and organizations. He was named the Exalted Ruler in the Elks Club, and was a member of the Lions Club.

He is survived by wife, Linda, 4 sons: Donnie (Romey), Kirkland, WA; Chris (Casey), Castaic, CA; Jeff (Stacy), Alexandria, MN; Tim (Laurie), Washington, UT, 1 daughter: Dawn, Fargo, ND. Grandchildren: Derek Cummings, Madyson James, Haley Gilbert, Devon Violanta, Hannah James, Landyn James, Kylee James, Leela James, Priscilla James, Elsie James, and Courtney James. Brothers and sisters: Randy (Sherry) James, Euless TX; Rodney (Sothy) James, Aurora, CO; Valerie (Neil) Bittner, Aberdeen, SD; Janine (Allan) Saugstad, Sioux Falls, SD; Shelley (James) McLees, Inver Grove Heights, MN. As well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and stepfather Robert Kline.

Memorial service and a celebration of his life will be held in the Spring of 2021 in Aberdeen, SD. Details will be announced at a later date.