James A. Wagner, age 73 of Alexandria, SD died Sunday August 15, 2004 at his residence. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Wednesday at St. Mary of Mercy Catholic Church with burial at St. Mary of Mercy Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Tuesday at St. Mary of Mercy Catholic Church with a prayer service beginning at 7:30 PM. Arrangements are under the direction of the Will Funeral Chapel. Jim Wagner, son of Anthony and Angela (Schiltz) Wagner was born December 27, 1930 on the family farm southeast of Alexandria, SD. He grew up in rural Alexandria and attended Wayne #1 Country School. Jim graduated from Alexandria High School in 1949. After his schooling Jim entered the US Army on March 17, 1953 and served during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on March 16, 1955 and returned to the family farm. Jim was united in marriage with Kathy Mc Dowell on October 9, 1956 in Hermosa, SD. The couple operated a dairy farm until Jims health force his retirement. In his retirement he enjoyed woodworking. He was a member of St. Mary of Mercy Catholic Church; the American Legion in Alexandria; and the Foresters. Jim served on the Cenex Board for many years and the school board for the Wayne #1 Country School. Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Kathy Wagner, Alexandria, SD; three daughters, Julie Ruden and her husband, Bill, Alexandria, SD, Marge Wagner, Alexandria, SD, Kaye Krietlow and her husband, Rick, Mitchell, SD; a son Jack Wagner, Emery, SD; three grandchildren, Bill Ven Osdel, Mat Ven Osdel, Lane Ruden; four step grandchildren; five step great grandchildren; a brother, Bill Wagner and his wife, Julie, Wagner, Alexandria, SD; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Harold; a sister, Joan Weber; and a sister in infancy.