Jim Joachimsen

CROFTON — Jim C. Joachimsen, 79, Crofton, died Sept. 6, 2026, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, S.D., surrounded by family. Funeral services were Sept. 11 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Hartington, with the Rev. Amanda Talley officiating. Burial was in the Hartington City Cemetery, with military rites by the Hartington VFW Post #5283 and the Legion Riders. Visitation was Thursday at the Wintz Funeral Home, Hartington, and continued Friday morning, at church, one hour prior to services. Pallbearers were Jim’s grandsons, Riley McCain, Easton Joachimsen, Keyan Joachimsen, Dagen Joachimsen, Gavin Joachimsen and Coven Joachimsen. Honorary pallbearers were Jim’s granddaughters, Karli McCain Coffin, Kalea Fischer, Saylor Fischer, Aspen Fischer and Capri Fischer.

James Conley was born Nov. 17, 1946, in Osmond, to Wilbur C. and Mary M. (Jones) Joachimsen. He grew up in Bloomfield, graduating from Bloomfield High School in 1964. Jim was drafted into the Army and served his country from Jan. 19, 1966 to Dec. 8, 1967. After he was honorably discharged, he went to work at Neu Cheese in Hartington. He began his working career in the plant before becoming the proud owner and operator of Joachimsen Trucking. Through his trucking business, he picked up and hauled milk for area dairy farmers. Jim married Linda S. Grady Oct. 19, 1968, in Columbus. Together they moved to Hartington, where they made their home and raised their three children, Tammy, Teri and Troy.

He was an active member of the community serving on the EMT squad for many years. He and Linda purchased and managed the Sears Catalog Store in the 1980s. Jim then worked at the Soil Conservation Office in Hartington for 30 years. In 2004, Jim and Linda moved to their forever home at Lewis and Clark Lake, where they enjoyed time with friends and family, and the amazing view of the lake and breathtaking sunsets.

Jim was always an active outdoorsman, whether it was hunting, fishing or camping. He loved to do all of these things with his wife, kids, grandkids and his brother, Larry. From a young age, Jim developed a true love and passion for vehicles. This was evident in the way he cared for them, keeping them in pristine condition. In retirement, he carried on his love for vehicles by selling cars for Pearson Motors. This gave him multiple opportunities to “interact” with customers, patrons, and friends.

He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Hartington. Jim is survived by his wife, Linda, Crofton; three children, Tammy (Jason) McCain, Hartington; Teri (Garrett) Fischer, Norfolk; Troy (Tonya) Joachimsen, Hartington; 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, and one on the way; a brother, Larry (Linda) Joachimsen, Crofton; a sister, Gayle (Larry) Schuett, Welcome, Minn.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Mary Joachimsen.