James A. Jessen, 53, of Tulare, died Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at his home, following a courageous battle with cancer.

His memorial service will be Friday, August 14, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. Father Christopher Hughes will officiate.

Burial will be in St. Bernard's Catholic Cemetery in Redfield. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Jim was born on July 5, 1962 in Madison, WI. to Arlen and Diane (Salwey) Jessen. He attended Tulare school where he was a proud chieftain. Jim attended South Dakota State University for two years where he played football until he was injured. He later finished getting his bachelors at Friends University in Wichita, KS in 2007, which was one of his proudest days. In 1984, Jim married Konni Pharis, and together they had two children, Jay and Tyler. They later divorced in 1989.

Jim worked in the aviation field at Boeing/Spirt Aero systems for over 25 years in Wichita, KS. He loved working with his hands and knowing everything there is to know about airplanes. He dedicated himself to his career and was great at it. He took a lot of pride in the work he performed and always went the extra mile. Jim did love his football; he would stay loyal to the Cornhuskers and the Vikings no matter what kind of season, all though not too happy. Jim was a blunt soul who was very funny and always told you how he felt, but he had a way around people to make them always feel accepted even while being so blunt. He was like a walking encyclopedia, always knew everything about everything. Jim was very proud of his two boys and most people knew that. He loved going to all of their sporting events especially when they both played football at Butler Community college together, and later on watching them play at University of Central Missouri and University of Louisville. Jim enjoyed spending time with family, and loved seeing his two grandchildren Hannah, age 6 and Sakota, age 5, knowing his time was short with them he would admire them as he watched them play. Jim will be greatly missed as he left us too early. He will be remembered by his laugh, off the wall jokes, the way he said his mind, and being a caring heart.

Jim is survived by his two boys: Jay (Janel) Jessen and son Sakota of Wichita, KS, and Tyler (Katy) Jessen and daughter Hannah of Sioux falls, SD. His father: Arlen Jessen of Tulare, SD. Two sisters: Shawna (Archie) Stanley and son Mathew of Tulare, SD, Lisa (David) Otto and daughter Dawsyn of Tulare, SD and their children; Dustin (Jen) Otto and children Ashlyn and Eastin of Tulare, SD, and Devan (Chris) Hoekman, and their children Dannyn, Cambree, Darryn of Brooking, SD,

He was preceded by Diane Jessen, his mother, who he loved dearly.