Our father, James (Jim) A. Brinkman, age 94, passed away of natural causes, on October 11, 2015 in Huron, South Dakota. His Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Friday, October 16, 2015 at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish with burial at St. Martin Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will be from 5 until 7pm on Thursday at Welter Funeral Home; or one hour prior to the service. He was born on a farm, outside of Cavour, SD on May 22, 1921, to parents Joseph and Geraldine Brinkman. Dad was raised on his parents' farm, struggled through the "dirty thirties" and worked the farm with his father and brothers. Dad began dating his life-time sweetheart in 1940. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942 and served as a Staff Sergeant with the 85th Fighter Squadron 79th Fighter Group. While awaiting orders for overseas assignment, he and Betty were married in Rolla, MO on May 28, 1943. He was discharged in 1946, returned to Huron and was employed by Armour and Company as a cattle buyer. Jim was a long-time member of Holy Trinity Catholic Parish. Developing a love for golf, he joined Huron Country Club in 1957. He was awarded the Most Dedicated Senior League Certificate of Achievement in 2010 and remained a member until his death. He received the Certificate of Continuous Membership from American Legion Post 7 for over 60 years of consistent loyalty. His name is included on The Beadle County Veterans Memorial Wall and has been a long-time member of the Veterans of Foreign War Post 1776. Jim is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Betty) and his children Monica (Gary) Buesing of Huron, Deanna Parker of Lockport, NY, Teresa Brinkman of Glenwood, NM, Jim Brinkman of Huron, Joe Brinkman of Huron, Laura (Lloyd) Lovelace of Woodbridge, VA and Elizabeth Brinkman of Spokane, WA. He was also survived by nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Gerald of Seattle, WA a sister, Mary Alice Martin of Huron, SD, brothers, Edward of Long View, WA and Leonard of Sun City, AZ and son-in-law, John Parker of Lockport, NY. The family wishes to thank the staff of Huron Regional Medical Center for their compassion and care. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Holy Trinity Catholic Parish School or Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) of Huron, SD