James Weddell, 57

Funeral services were 1 PM, Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at the National Guard Armory in Wagner. Following services he was be cremated. Wake services were held at the Armory. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner was in charge of arrangements.

James Russell Weddell was vorn on Christmas Eve, 1955 to Ben and Hazel Weddell. He was part of a big loving family that included 15 children: Betty (Nuni) Dorothy (Hopa), Shirley (John), Benjamin Jr. (Sonny), Marilyn (Mercy), William (Sam), Larry, Margaret, Mary, Eve, Jim, Rodney, Michael, Rose & Carole.

Jim married Evelyn Tiger in a traditional ceremony and they were blessed with one daughter, Cicily Aries. He also has a son, Brandon, from another relationship. He later married Cyndi Allen in 2005.

Jim grew up and spent his life in the Ihanktonwan territory. He always followed the traditional ways and truly practiced those beliefs throughout his life. He was a true warrior, recognized all over Indian Country as a defender of the people. Jim would always fight to right a wrong and to protect those who needed protection. Because of his true belief in helping others, he spent 18 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. After almost 2 decades of a long legal battle and thanks to the effort of thousands of supporters both here and worldwide, Jim was freed to return to his family and homelands. His family will forever be grateful to Gloria Mattioni, his special friend, for with her help and perserverance he gained his freedom.

Jim's most important battle was for the protection of the sacred Paha Sapa (Black Hills). Jim was very active in the continuing fight to protect the people's treaty rights to the Hills. He adamantly refused to touch any claims money that came from the sale of the Hills and loudly proclaimed at every opportunity that "No Way! The Black Hills Are Not For Sale!!"

im was known for his never-ending generosity. He would often go without; giving his last dollar, his only jacket, even his truck to someone he felt needed it more. He was a warrior who showed no fear, hew would go right up to his enemy and shake their hand. But he also had a heart of gold, with a level of kindness and generosity that impressed everyone who met him. His last day here on Earth, he gave some youths he didn't even know a ride to town, took them to the store and then back to their home. They said he was the nicest man they had ever met.

Jim's final days were spent at home with his daughter and grandchildren sharing stories and taking care of them.

Jim began his journey to the spirit world on October 26, 2013 as the result of a car accident.

He was met on the other side by his parents, Ben Weddell Sr. and Hazel Gullikson Weddell; his grandparents: James and Eva (Pants) Weddell and Oliver Thomas & Eliza (Red Bird) Gullikson; his brother, SOnny; 2 sisters: Nuni & Mary; and many more relatives and friends.

He will be dearly missed by his wife, Cyndi; his children: Cicily & Brandon; his grandchildren: Aiyana, Xander and Brandon; 7 sisters: Hopa, John, Mercy, Margaret, Eva, Rose & Carole; 4 brothers: Sam, Larry Sr., Rod & Mike; many, many nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles and countless friends.

This world will not be the same without him.

Pallbearers: John Peters, Larry Weddell Jr., Donnie Cournoyer Sr., Brandon O'Connor, Mark Winckler, Myron Turner, Leroy Gibson, Brock Nelson, Joe Lovell

Honorary Pallbearers: Everett Leroy Sr,, Dennis Banks, Steve Hernandez, Gloria Mattioni, Daniele Bolelli, Curtis Weddell, Matt Weddell, Chris Weddell, Jason Cooke, John Cooke Jr, and his family