State Rep. Jim Schaefer Dies; Gov. Daugaard To Request Flags At Half-Staff

Pat Powers

State Rep. Jim Schaefer Dies;
Gov. Daugaard To Request Flags At Half-Staff

PIERRE, S.D. – State Rep. Jim Schaefer of Kennebec died yesterday while working on his ranch. Schaefer had served in the State House of Representatives since 2011. He represented District 21 in 2011-12 and, following legislative redistricting, had represented District 26B since 2013.

“Jim Schaefer was a quality person and a committed public servant,” said Gov. Daugaard. “Jim never sought the limelight, but he always worked hard on behalf of his district and our state. I will always particularly remember Jim’s advocacy for rebuilding the MRC rail line from Chamberlain to Presho, which was a great step forward for producers in that area. Linda and I offer our sympathies to the Schaefer family and to Jim’s many friends.”

Gov. Daugaard will order flags to fly at half-staff statewide in honor of Rep. Schaefer on the day of his funeral, which has yet to be determined. ​

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5 thoughts on “State Rep. Jim Schaefer Dies; Gov. Daugaard To Request Flags At Half-Staff”

  1. I don’t know much about State Rep. Jim Schaefer, but I know farmers. When my grandpa passed, I often found comfort in Paul Harvey’s words…

    And on the 8th day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, I need a caretaker. So God made a farmer.

    Thoughts and prayers to his family.

  2. Jim was a solid person, a really good person. He took his job of legislating seriously and quietly. He was a joy to serve with – kind of reminded me of another Jim from Lyman County (Abdnor)

  3. Jim was a true gentleman, a great example for all to imulate and one of main voices that saved our farm credit organization from takeover by a foreign bank. We are all blessed by his willingness to serve South Dakota.

  4. It was my pleasure to serve with Jim. Will always remember him leading the Happy Birthday songs and his use of props to explain bills. He was self deprecating, always had a smile and, I know it’s unexceptable today, had a hug while he listened to you.

  5. I also had the pleasure of serving with Jim. He was what I considered a “real” legislator . . . but more than that, he was a real person. Down to earth, a genuine nice guy. So sorry to hear about his death.

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