James Brokaw

James Brokaw was born November 19, 1923 at Manville, Iowa, the son of Lowell and Jennie (Wunderlich) Brokaw. He attended school at Sioux City, Iowa through the 3rd grade and then moved with his parents to Sioux Falls, where he graduated from Washington High School in 1942. On April 16, 1943, Jim entered the US Army serving with the 411th Infantry and 103rd Infantry Divisions in the European Theatre. He was wounded on November 16, 1944 in Saint Die des Vosges, France and spent his 21st birthday in a hospital. He returned to duty Jim was honorably discharged in March of 1946. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, European Theater Service Medal, American Theater Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge and Good Conduct Medal. After his discharge, he returned to Sioux Falls. He worked as a carpenter for a few years. Jim married Alice Langfeldt on May 15, 1948. That same year, he began working at the VA Regional Medical Center in Sioux Falls. Jim was an Orthopedic Aide and Surgical Technician. He retired in 1978. He put his creative skills to use on his many woodworking projects. Jim enjoyed going to stag night at the VFW Post for many years. He was a member of the VFW Post and DAV Post. Jim passed away July 19, 2016 at the Good Samaritan Village in Sioux Falls. Jim is survived by two daughters, Jenny Brokaw Cook (David Musil) and Joann Brokaw, both of Sioux Falls; a granddaughter, Kelly Jensen; two sisters, June (Merril) Ring of El Cajon, CA and Joyce Blood of Frontenac, KS. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Alice, in December 23, 2009; his twin sister, Joan Kugler; a sister, Janet and Iverson; and two brothers, John and Jarl.