James R. Bliss, age 71, of Mitchell died Friday August 19, 2005 at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Tuesday August 23, 2005 at Will Funeral Chapel with burial at Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Will Funeral Chapel with a Loyal Order of the Moose Wake Ritual beginning at 7:00 PM Monday. Jim R. Bliss, son of Wayne and Laura (Bauer) Bliss, was born June 16, 1934 in Iowa Falls, IA. As a child he moved with his family to Sioux Falls, SD. Jim grew up and received his education in Sioux Falls graduating from Washington High School in 1953. After his schooling he was employed at Fenns Ice Cream in Sioux Falls. Jim was united in marriage with Donna Moore on April 10, 1955 in Sioux Falls, SD. The couple made their home in Sioux Falls. In 1959, the couple moved to California and made their home in Orange County, CA. At this time Jim was employed at Knott's Berry Farm and later at Hunt Wesson Foods. Jim retired from Hunt Wesson Foods in 1991 and the couple moved to Mitchell, SD. While in Mitchell, Jim and Donna established Bliss's Bed and Breakfast. In Jims semi-retirement he began his career as a greeter at Wal-Mart. He was a member of the Moose Lodge and collected John Wayne movies. Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Donna, Mitchell, SD; three children, Randy Bliss and his wife, Sandy, Anaheim, CA, Patty Martinez and her husband, David, Moreno Valley, CA, Richard Bliss and his wife, Teresa, Riverside, CA; five grandchildren, Christina Marie Dawkins and her husband, Joseph, Anaheim, CA, Jennifer Irene Diego and her husband, Patrick, Antioch, CA, Craig Steven Hudoba, Orange, CA, Michelle Martinez, Santa Barbara, CA, Andrew Martinez, Moreno Valley, CA; two great grandchildren, Ashlyn Hudoba and Brandon Diego. He was preceded in death by his parents.