James Clinton Underwood was born on March 14, 1942 to James Coy and Jean Louise (nee Wente) Underwood at Humansville, MO. He attended elementary school in Humansville, MO. James completed his education at various locations while his father continued his career in the U.S. military, attending schools in Ankara, Turkey, Melvern High School in Melvern, FL, and Armijo Joint Union High School in Fairfield, CA.

He attended electrical engineering school at Finely College in Kansas City, MO. At the beginning of his career, James was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and received his master electrician license. He worked for many different companies, including Evans Electric, Alber Electric, and Teaque Electric. He later was a member of Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) and was an instructor at the IEC apprenticeship training schools in Kansas City and Sioux Falls. James was the president of an electrical contracting firm, which under his guidance, grew to be the second largest non-union electrical contracting firm in Kansas City. He also specialized in electrical estimating on commercial construction projects and was in project management.

In May of 1962, James married Mary Ann Oelkhaus. This union was blessed with 3 children: James, Jr., Michael Joseph, and Deborah Jean.

He was married to Janet Sue Chandler on August 5, 1983 in Olathe, KS.

Jim and his wife, Janet moved to Sioux Falls in 2003, where he was employed by Action Electric as a senior estimator and advisor.

His hobbies included Motocross, fishing, boating, waterskiing and enjoying the outdoors.

James died at Avera McKennan Hospital on November 14, 2006, at the age of 64 years and 8 months.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Janet; his half-sisters, April Cunningham and Casey Underwood; and his children.

Memorials may be directed to Avera McKennan Hospice.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, November 17th at Miller West Funeral Chapel. Private Interment.