James "Jim" Murtha, age 75, of Mitchell, SD died Thursday, May 4, 2023 at his home. Private family services were held on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at the Will Funeral Chapel.

James Joseph "Jim" Murtha, son of Joseph and Viola (Berg) Murtha, was born September 9, 1947 in Parkston, SD. He attended Parkston Catholic School for one year before attending a country school in Sanborn County. Jim later graduated from Artesian High School in 1965. At the age of 18, he began his career at Rozum Motors in Mitchell. At Rozum Motors he started working from the bottom. Later retiring after 47 years as an autobody specialist.

Jim was united in marriage to Donna Roderick on February 19, 1966 in Artesian, SD. In his retirement Jim and Donna continued shuttling cars for Vern Eide and Vantage Point. He retired in March of 2023 with 58 years of service with the dealerships.

Jim and Donna enjoyed fishing and camping at Minneconjou Bay in Ft. Pierre, SD. In his earlier years he also enjoyed softball, pheasant hunting, deer and antelope hunting.

He was a loyal fan of Wheel of Fortune, the Price Is Right and Let's Make A Deal. Never missing a night.

He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church. Jim joined the Moose Lodge in 1971 and was a lifetime member.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Donna Murtha, Mitchell, SD; his three children, Stacy (Lavonne) Murtha, Mitchell, SD, Shawn (Pat) Murtha, Mitchell, SD, Kristine (Vandal) Zomer, Mitchell, SD; six grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son, Joey; his parents; his in-laws, Luther and Frances Roderick; and a brother and sister-in-law, Lonnie (Donna) Roderick.

Jim has a special love for all of his grand dogs but none more than for his Jack Russell JJ.