Jeffrey “Unc” G. James was born on October 11, 1956, in Mankato, Minnesota, to Forrest and Genevieve (Wilkie) James. Jeff was the youngest, with two older sisters and two older brothers. In 1967, Janice James became his adoptive mother, and an additional brother and sister joined the family. Jeff was raised in North Mankato and graduated from Mankato West High School in 1975.
Jeff served in the United States Marine Corps as a radio operator from 1975 to 1977 and was honorably discharged. He then served one year in the Marine Corps Reserves.
Jeff spent 22 years working for Rockwell International, which included time in Atlanta, Georgia, and later brought him to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. After Rockwell, Jeff worked for Great Amusement Vendors and Muth Technology. He was known for his knowledge of computers and internet wiring and was often the person people called when they needed technical help.
In 1989, he shared a home with his brother and brother’s family, where he spent most of his life. Even though he had no children of his own, Unc’s nieces and nephews were like his children. He enjoyed taking them on Saturday shopping trips, and the nieces and nephews he lived with would often compete over who got to go with him. He especially enjoyed fireworks, and the Fourth of July was one of his favorite holidays. Unc spent many weekends at his lake house, where he enjoyed his boat and jet ski and spending time on the water with his family and friends. Although Unc was known to be called the Grumpy guy downstairs, he was far from. If you needed something, he had it and gladly gave it; from batteries to sleeping bags, markers to knives, and usually provided multiple options.
Jeff passed away surrounded by his nieces and nephew at the Dougherty Hospice home in Sioux Falls, SD, on February 19, 2026, at the age of 69.
Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Forrest and Genevieve James; his brothers, Steve, Rick, and Ed; and his nephews, Joshua, Chad, Brandon and Jason.
Grateful for having shared his home and life are his sister-in-law, Chris James (Dan) of Renner; her children, Justin James of Renner; Jennifer (Timothy) Lendt of Courtland, Minnesota; Joline (Robert) Nordlee of Lake Crystal, Minnesota; Jeffrey James (Jazmine) of Harrisburg, South Dakota, and all of their children; along with other nieces and nephews: Tiffani Shirley, Dean Peteusek, Kelsey Sukalski, Carly Smith, Aaron and Eric Lischefska, Trevor and Chris James, and Cory and Taylor Wilaby. He is also survived by his adopted mother, Janice James of Texas; three sisters, Mardi Heath of Mankato, Katie Willaby of North Mankato, Minnesota, and Mary Allbritton of Texas; and many other relatives and friends.
Celebration of Life will be held at the Renner American Legion on March 21, 2026, from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm.
Celebrate a life with the whole community in The Dakota Scout. Contact obits@thedakotascout.com to have your loved one remembered today.