James Songer

A graveside service for James Songer was held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 21, 2025, at Winner City Cemetery in Winner, SD, with Pastor Judy Sherman officiating. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Casket bearers were Ory Kiner, Zach Eagle Hawk, Sr., Mike Boerner, Jose Aquirre, Sr., La Kota Songer, and Jon Parshall. Honorary casket bearers were Kevin Montes, Steve Cunningham, Aaron Black Thunder, Sylvan Abdo, Blake Fredericks, Darius Black Thunder, Darren Black Thunder, Dale Goodman, Patrick Charging Hawk, and Edgar Black Bull, Sr.

James Leonard Songer was born January 25, 1967 in Rosebud, SD, to Leonard Songer and Avalencia “Joann” (Cloudman) Songer. He lived in Winner, SD, for a good share of his life and attended school there. Later on he lived in Mitchell, Sioux Falls, Independence, MO, and the Dallas, SD, area for a short time. He was living in Colome at the time of his death.

James’ professions were many, as he was the true “Jack of all trades.” At the time of his death he drove truck for River Bottom Sanitation. In his spare time he was also a mechanic.

James loved fishing with his family, going hunting with his brothers, and spending time with his grandchildren, always giving them candy and treats. He had many good friends that he built memories with.

James’ loves were his wife Mary and daughters Natasha, Jamie, and Desiree. He was always proud to call them “his girls.”

James Songer, age 59, of Colome, SD, died from pancreatitis on March 18, 2025.

He follows in death his parents Leonard and Joann Songer, baby brother Myland Songer, sisters Maxine Songer and Arlene Songer, brothers Ronnie “Sarge” Songer and Arnold Songer, and many other loved ones.

James is survived by his wife Mary (Whiting) Songer; daughters Natasha (Zach) Eagle Hawk, Jamie (Kevin Montes), Desiree (Jose Aguirre, Sr.); six grandchildren; sister Janet Parshall; and brothers Melvin Songer, Sr. and Harold Songer.