James J. Sejnoha age 93, of Mitchell died Wednesday, April 25th at Avera Brady and Rehab. Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Saturday, April 28th at First Lutheran Church in Mitchell. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 PM Friday at the Will Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery with military rites.

Jim was born September 20, 1924 on a farm 7 miles north of Lake Andes to Adoph and Ann (Beran) Sejnoha. Jim attended Rural Country School for 6 years and graduated from Lake Andes High School in 1943. He was a longtime member of Church Choirs, lead singer in Barber Shop Chorus and"4 Beaus" Men's Quartet. After graduating he attended summer sessions at Yankton College to obtain his teaching certificate and began teaching rural school in Charles Mix County in the fall. Jim was drafted into the Army during Christmas break. Released from service after one year, and started teaching again in the Charles Mix County area. He was then called back to the service and sent to Korea. He completed 3 years in the service, with remaining time served in inactive reserves. Jim received his State Certificate for teaching at Southern State College in the summer and began teaching at Lake Andes Public Schools in the fall and the Mitchell Public School system in 1961. He received his Master's from Northern State College.

He married Ruth Aase of Lake Andes, SD in March of 1953. In 1961 they moved to Mitchell where he began teaching at Eugene Field School. Jim was a member of SDEA, MEA, MARTA, AAP, President of Teacher's Assoc. and many others. He began his barbershop chorus membership, lead section in 1967, continuing for almost 45 years. During his teaching tenure, he was selected as Teacher of the Year," Who's Who in Education," South Dakota Social Studies Teacher of the Year. Jim has been very active volunteering at many sites and events in Mitchell. He was an avid gardener, collector of antiques, pens, pencils and always a lover of music.

Grateful for sharing his life are his wife Ruth of Mitchell; children Joyce (Kevin) Burnison of Humboldt, NE, Michael (Susan) Sejnoha of Mitchell, SD, Lynne (Spencer) Lien of Independence, MN and Maxine (Kenneth) Richey of Norwalk, OH; 10 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; a sister Louise Sejnoha of Wagner, SD.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son; son Maurice; granddaughter Hannah; 4 brothers; 7 sisters.

In lieu of flowers the family wishes to set up a memorial fund.