James Backes 79, of Mitchell, died Sunday, February 28, 2010 at Golden Living Center in Salem. Funeral services will be 10:30AM Friday at the Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell. Visitation will be from 6 to 8PM Thursday at the Will Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

James Nicholas Backes was born August 15, 1930 on a farm near Ethan, SD to Chris and Agatha (Mick) Backes. Jim moved to Mitchell and lived with his parents and worked several jobs, working at All-American, Tobins Transfer, custodial jobs, Adjustment Training Center and a farmhand around the area. Jim later lived with his mother at Meadow lawn Plaza in Mitchell, Storla Nursing Home, Tender Hearts in Mitchell and recently at Golden Living Center in Salem.

Grateful for sharing his life are his brother Elmer Backes of Mitchell and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in by his parents, sister in law Esther Backes.