JIM PILCHER

JIM PILCHER

2023-11-28
Jim Pilcher died of heart failure Monday, November 9 on his way home from the Florida Keys. His last week of life was spent with good weather, good food, and good friends.



He lived most of his life in Sioux Falls, graduating from Washington High School in 1962, and the University of Sioux Falls (then called Sioux Falls College) in 1967. He married Jan Bliss in Pierre, SD in June of 1967 and they both began teaching in Huron, SD. In 1973 he returned to Sioux Falls to become sales manager at Kindler Pontiac/Cadillac. Several years later he became regional sales manager for Central States of Omaha, and finally sales manager at Culligan for 12 years. He enjoyed talking with anyone, always with great energy and enthusiasm, so being “Culligan Man” was more fun than work. His great loves were family and friends, Sioux Falls, The Price is Right, food and cooking, the Shopping News coupons, politics, Katie Couric, a lively conversation, and a good laugh.



Jim leaves behind his wife Jan, son Kirby, sister Donna, cousins Peggy (Tom) Gondek and Dick (Linda Renaud) Rinearson, in-laws Dianne Bliss and Ron Bliss.



He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Lucille Pilcher, sister Pat Pilcher, mother-in-law Ermal Bliss, and brother-in-law Tom Bliss.
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I first met Jim at Jefferson Elementary and we were fast friends thereafter.  He married Jan Bliss of Pierre after college and they traveled with me and my wife, Bonny (Forster) on many occasions and we had lots of fun together.  Jim really enjoyed Florida and it was on a trip there to look for a winter place for the coming seaon that Jim died in November, 2009.  Bonny and I considered the Pilchers to be best friends.  Jan remains close to us and will attend the Saturday evening event at the reunion as our guest.  Jim was survived by his wife and one son, Kirby, a university professor in Rochester, NY.  We miss you Jim!Chuck & Bonny Schroyer  

tribute by Chuck Schroyer

 I remember Jim so well from Edison Junior High.  Whenever I think of him, thoughts of Jim Pratt also come to mind.  They were such good friends and stayed in touch through the years.  At the 45th Reunion I sat at the same dinner table with Jim Pilcher and his wife, Joe Ziegahn, Doug Castle, Chuck and Bonnie Schroyer, and Fred Cone.  It was a lively meal filled with many junior high and high school memories.  Such a nice time.

tribute by Cheryl Pittenger

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