Obituary: James Neumiller

James "Jim" Richard Neumiller, age 61, of Sykeston, N.D., passed away peacefully the evening of Feb. 16, 2021. He was surrounded by his loving family at the time of his passing.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021 at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church, Sykeston, N.D. Burial was held at the St. Elizabeth's Catholic Cemetery, Sykeston, N.D. Fr. Terry Dodge officiated with special music by Rob Marcotte and Sara Huss. Casket bearers were Derek Beckley, David Richter, Todd Grager, Tom Wachtel, Jim Speldrich, Luke Kutz, Randall Zink, Jim Bitz, John Anderson and Jesse Nelson. Honorary bearers were Wyatt Beckley, Russell Beckley, Ruth Beckley and Napoleon Livestock family.

Jim was born on Sept. 18, 1959 in Carrington, N.D. He was the youngest of five and the only son born to Richard and Virginia (Schaack) Neumiller. He attended St Elizabeth's Catholic School until 1968, then attended Sykeston Public School where he graduated in 1977. Throughout high school, Jim enjoyed playing basketball and running cross country for the Wildcats.

Jim began working with his dad on the farm and worked on the pipeline during the winter months to earn extra cash. He saved enough to buy his first 1486 International tractor. During his time with the pipeline, he was in an accident where he almost lost his leg. Jim spent 54 days in the hospital relearning how to walk. Being the stubborn man we all know him to be, he returned to farming and ranching having full function of his leg. As he would say, he could still out run or work anybody.

On Nov. 20, 1987 Jim was united in marriage with Karen Mallen. Together they moved to the family farm and raised four kids.

Jim's true passion was his cows. He raised black Simmentals where he grew his herd to 375 head. He knew every cow by heart. Jim could always be found fixing fencing along the highway in his wild shorts and bright yellow boots. He liked to involve everyone when it came to moving the cows to and from pasture.

Jim continued to be active in the Sykeston community and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He enjoyed working in Napoleon at the Livestock Sale every Thursday.

Jim is survived by his wife Karen; two daughters, Kristen (Derek) Beckley of Sykeston, N.D., Nikki (John) Anderson of Lincoln, N.D.; one son, Patrick Neumiller of Carrington, N.D.; three grandchildren Wyatt, Russell, and Ruth Beckley; four sisters Patty Tofte of Fargo, N.D., Shirley (Larry) Jackson of Jamestown, N.D., Mary Williams of Sykeston, N.D. and Jane (Jim) Fredrickson of Carrington, N.D.; Three brothers-in-law, Paddy (Cheryl) Mallen of Fonthill, Ontario, Arnie (Nikki) Mallen of Windsor, Ontario, and Don (Jane) Mallen of Windsor, Ontario; and many nieces and nephews.

Jim is preceded in death by his son Mathew Neumiller; his parents Richard and Virginia Neumiller; his father and mother-in-law Patrick "Jones" and Madonna Mallen; two brothers-in-law, John Williams and Otto Tofte; and two nephews Michael Tofte and Brian Williams.

Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home of Carrington, N.D.