JAMES NAGEL

Funeral services for James Nagel, 82, of Avon were held Monday, October 2 at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield. Burial was in the Emmanuel Reformed Cemetery in rural Springfield. Peters Funeral Home in Springfield was in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society.

James Calvin Nagel was born March 24, 1941 to John and Frances (Ludens) Nagel on a farm in rural Springfield. He died Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton.

Jim was baptized at the Emmanuel Reformed Church. He attended Springfield High School, graduated from Southern State Teachers College, then received his Masters degree from Indiana University and his administration degree at Northern State University. Jim married Darlene Conrad on October 28, 1965. After getting married Jim started his teaching and coaching career in Winnebago, NE then Sheldon, IA and spent his last 33 years teaching at Wheeling High School. Throughout his teaching career he taught science, math and physical education and served as Athletic Director. He had much success and a real love for coaching girls and boys cross country and track. A highlight in his career was winning the State Girls Cross Country meet in Illinois and being named Coach of the Year. He took great satisfaction in the successful lives of his athletes, hoping that he had influenced them in some small way to persevere under pressure.

Jim and Darlene had two children, Trisha and Cory and they lived in Palatine, IL. In 1984 they purchased a specialty athletic store, Running Unlimited which they ran together while Jim continued to teach. During these years Jim and Darlene were able to travel in the summers to Europe and the Scandanavian countries with US high school athletes that Jim coached in international track meets. Jim always admired top athletes and especially loved the competition and tradition of the Olympic games. Jim and Darlene had the opportunity to attend several olympic games including those in Montreal, Los Angeles and Seoul Korea. Jim took early retirement and started his second career as a cow/calf rancher in Avon. During their early years in SD they lived in a log cabin by Lewis and Clark Lake and then in 2006 moved full time to the Choteau Creek Ranch. There he continued to grow and expand his cow/calf operation until 2023. In addition to his career, Jim also loved serving in the church and spending time with his family. He frequently took trips with his grandchildren and they spent many summer vacations at the ranch where Jim provided them many opportunities to learn while having fun.

Jim was a positive, patient, generous, hardworking and spiritual man who strived to be the best husband, father, grandfather and friend he could be.

Jim is survived by his wife and best friend of 57 years Darlene, daughter Trisha (Jared) Barker and five grandchildren, and son Cory (Jenny) Nagel.