today I wish to commemorate the life and legacy of former South Dakota State Senator James Dunn. Jim was born in Lead, SD, on June 27, 1927, and died in Sturgis, SD, on August 11, 2016, at the age of 89. Immediately after graduating from high school, he joined the U.S. Army Signal Corps and served from 1945 through 1947. He returned home to Lead and worked at the Homestake Gold Mine for the next 38 years. During that time, he also raised four children with his wife, Betty, and earned a bachelor's degree in business administration and economics. At the mine, he was a crewman, a machinist, the assistant director of public affairs, and then the director of public affairs. Jim inspired his coworkers with his intelligence, his humor, and his leadership. He became a constant promoter for the Black Hills and all of South Dakota. He inspired magazine articles, books, films, and other publicity about South Dakota. He was also an enthusiastic supporter and volunteer worker for dozens of local and State organizations during his 89 years. He was even the first male president of the Black Hills Girl Scout Council. In 1971, he was elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives. In 1973, he was elected to the South Dakota Senate and served until his retirement in 2000. His 30 years of consecutive service is matched by only three other legislators.…
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