WOLSEY –– James (Jim) D. McGillvrey, age 69, of Wolsey, passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at his home in Wolsey after a long, courageous battle with Parkinson’s. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., on Friday, March 27, at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish in Huron. Visitation, with his family present, will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish. A time of sharing will begin at 6 p.m., with a scripture and rosary service to begin at 6:30 p.m. Burial will be at a later date in the Wolsey Cemetery. James Douglas McGillvrey was born on August 11, 1956, in Huron, to Dean and Donna (Gleason) McGillvrey. He spent his early years in Wolsey and Conde, attending local schools and graduating from Wolsey High School in 1974. He went on to attend Watertown Business School that same year.
Jim made Wolsey his lifelong home. It was a place he knew well and cared deeply about.
He began working at a young age, including time at the local newspaper in Wolsey. He worked for Harlow Larsen from 1970 to 1973 and later spent many years in construction, working with Raynie Pullman through various projects up until 2003. Jim worked at Dean’s Service shortly after graduating later to take over ownership, becoming someone many in the community came to know and rely on.
Jim married Karma Price on May 14, 1977, and four children were born of that union. On December 23, 2004, Jim married Caroline (Baker) Jensen where he welcomed in four step-children. Jim loved spending time at the lake, going on vacation and spending quality time with his family. Jim’s grandchildren brought him so much joy; he loved spending time with them.
Jim gave generously of his time to his community. He served on the Wolsey and Wolsey-Wessington School Boards for more than 30 years, helping guide and support local education. He was also involved with the Mid-Dakota Board (2005-2023), Upper Missouri Water Association, and Onward Wolsey. In addition, he shared his faith as a second grade CCD teacher.
Jim dedicated more than 37 years to the Wolsey Fire Department, including serving as Fire Chief for most of his time on the department. In 1993, he was honored with the Outstanding Firefighter Award, a reflection of his commitment and service.
Jim will be remembered as someone who cared deeply for his family, worked hard, and quietly gave back to his community in countless ways.
The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to all of Jim’s medical providers with special thanks to Kristi Glanzer and HRMC Hospice for their loving care and support.
He is survived by his wife, Caroline of Wolsey; children, Adam (Christine) McGillvrey, Doug (Erika) McGillvrey, Kelli (Tucker) Snedeker, David (Karen) Jensen, Theresa (Cody) Marzahn, Katie (Eric) Decker, Daniel Jensen; 16 grandchildren, Landon (Sydney) McGillvrey, Emmersyn McGillvrey, Tucker, Blake, and Conor McGillvrey, Hudson and Holden Snedeker, Ryder, Preslie, Brooks and Quinn Jensen, Rylee and Cade Marzahn, Maddie, Allie and Shaylie Decker, and one great-grandchild, Jensen McGillvrey; his brothers, Allen (Terri) McGillvrey, Richard McGillvrey, and Robert (Penny) McGillvrey; his sister, Lori (Doug) Langbehn; his mother, Donna McGillvrey Gogolin; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, Brad McGillvrey; his father, Dean; step-father, Mike Gogolin; and his grandparents. Visit www.welterfuneralhome.com
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