James H. Mendenhall III

James H. Mendenhall III 87, of Sioux City, IA, passed away Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Floyd Place in Sergeant Bluff, IA. Memorial Services will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 29, 2023 at the Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel. Family visitation and a light lunch following. Inurnment will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.meyerbroschapels.com

James H. Mendenhall III, was born August 24, 1935, in Conata, South Dakota to James and June (Sharp) Mendenhall. He would always tell stories of how his mother rode the horse out as one and came back with two. James had a lot of stories he liked to share with others.   He spent most of his childhood in the Badlands of South Dakota.  James had a brother, Victor, his parents also helped raise three of his cousins. LeRoy, Wilma, and Marvin.   He grew up with many aunts, uncles, and cousins in the Badlands area.  After high school he enrolled in the School of Mines and received his teaching degree.  Teaching higher level math and science classes. He continued his education at the University of South Dakota earning a master’s degree and specialist degree. He was a school counselor, principal, superintendent, coach, and a lifetime member of the SCEA/NEA. He was an advocate for education and the Native American Community serving on the Native American PAC for many years.   He was an enrolled member of the Ogalala Sioux Tribe.   He married Ellene Mendenhall Sept. 28, 1963.His children are Jim (Heather) Mendenhall IV of Salix, Iowa, and Kim Mendenhall of Sioux City.   He has four grandchildren Danielle (Jacob)Mendenhall, Ashley (Skyler) Mino, Alyssa (Richard) Dandurand, and James V and two great grandsons, Collin James and Finnegan James.  Memorials will be given to First Lutheran Church of Sioux City and First Presbyterian Church of Interior, SD.

 Waken Takan kici un Wolakhota 

May the great spirit bless you, peace.