James L. Rudy, age 88 of Cavour, passed away on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, June 14, 2021 at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish in Huron. James will be buried at the South Dakota Veteran's Cemetery in Sioux Falls at a later date. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

James LeRoy Rudy was born on August 17, 1932 in Cavour, South Dakota to parents Edgar W. and Alice M. (Fuller) Rudy. He attended school in Cavour, graduating from Cavour High School in 1950. James joined the United States Air Force in 1952 and was honorably discharged in 1956.  After his honorable discharge, James returned to Cavour and the family farm.

James married Marlene Wood at St. Martin's Catholic Church on June 14, 1956.

He enjoyed farming and raising black angus cattle, being one of the first farmers to raise them in the area. He was a 4-H leader when his daughters were young and also coached the Richland 4-H softball team. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Also, pheasant hunting, fishing, and collecting Winchester rifles. He cheered for the Minnesota Twins and enjoyed history, especially Civil War, Beadle County, and South Dakota/Western history. His dog Buster was always by his side, accompanying him around the farm. He was a man of faith. He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, Richland Township Board Member, Beadle County Fire Board, and the American Legion.

He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Suzanne Berg; brother Edgar Rudy; and one sister in infancy, Mae Alice Rudy.

Grateful for having shared in his life is his wife, Marlene of Cavour; daughters, Cynthia (Douglas) Loen of Sioux Falls and Dianne (Gary) Brush of Pocetello, ID; two grandchildren, Elizabeth (Dan) Nehlich of Sioux Falls and Nichollas Brush of Olympia, WA; 4 great-grandchildren, William, Lorelei, Penny, and Eva.