Jim Soyer, 74, of Watertown, died on October 15, 2021, at Ava's Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD. Jim was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to John and Mary Patricia (Corbett) Soyer on October 14, 1947. Jim grew up in various states because his dad was a musician with the Jimmy Barnett Orchestra. After returning to Sioux Falls, Jim graduated from O'Gorman High School. He graduated from Northern State College in 1970. He had many different communications jobs in several years—teaching high school; starting publications; designing and selling advertising; public relations; Field Representative for Congress; and writing of all sorts.

In 1982, he fell in love with Yolonda "Lonnie" Langenfeld. They married in 1984, and Jim also became the stepfather of Nicole. The joy they gave him was enormous. Although Jim was a writer, he said he could never find the right words to express his enormous gratitude and love to Lonnie, Nicole, granddaughter Ellie, and Ellie's father, Mike. Year after year their love lifted him up to more than he could ever be.

Jim also felt truly blessed that so many family, friends, and coworkers were so loving, caring, and kind to him throughout his life. He says "thank you" to all of you.

Jim spent 44 years in government public service, including work for United States Senator Mike Rounds and Congressman Larry Pressler in South Dakota; Governor Tommy Thompson in Wisconsin; and Governors Bill Janklow (twice), George Mickelson, Mike Rounds, and Dennis Daugaard in South Dakota.

Throughout his life, Jim also frequently said how grateful he was to teach for three years with the wonderful nuns of the Mother of God Monastery at Harmony Hill High School in Watertown.

Jim enjoyed bowling, baseball, softball, and forever believing that the Detroit Tigers might someday win another World Series.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents and sister Sandi Ragels.

He is survived by his wife Lonnie of Watertown; his stepdaughter Nicole, granddaughter Ellie, and Ellie's father Mike of Sioux Falls; his brother Tim (Kim) Soyer of Sioux Falls; two nephews; and two nieces.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 3601 E Dudley Lane, Sioux Falls, SD. Visitation with family present will be at 12:00 p.m. at the church. Jim's final resting place will be at St. Michael Cemetery.  Jim was always concerned about others. In the spirit of taking care of each other, masks are required at his service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be directed to the following Catholic schools in memory of Jim Soyer: Bishop O'Gorman School System (Sioux Falls), Immaculate Conception School (Watertown), St. Joseph School (Pierre); and to the Promising Futures Fund (Sioux Falls) to provide books to children in need.