James Howard Mirehouse, 80, Rapid City, passed away on June 16, 2015, at Fountain Springs Health Care with his wife Linda by his side. Jim was born on January 15, 1935 in Great Falls, MT, the son of Gilman Howard and Susanne Anna (Reichert) Mirehouse. He was raised on the family ranch near Augusta “in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains,” as he liked to say. As a youth he enjoyed many outdoor adventures along the Continental Divide. Jim was active in sports and won the steer decorating and team roping at one of the first National High School Rodeo Finals. The knowledge he gained as a young Eagle Scout later served him well in US Air Force survival training. After graduating Augusta High School in 1951 at the age of 16 he attended the University of Montana majoring in range management and holds a Bachelors of Science Degree in Business from Troy State University. He was a distinguished graduate of the Department of Defense Senior Office Air War College. Jim served in the US Air Force for 22 years from 1955 to 1977, retiring as a wing commander with the rank of Colonel. He was a true “Top Gun,” and flew with the Wild Weasels, taking care of surface to air missiles for the strike force in North Vietnam. He completed 113 missions as a tactical fighter flight commander flying the F-105F Thunderchief. His decorations include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with two oak leaf clusters, Air Medal with ten oak leaf clusters, and numerous combat and service ribbons. He flew with the Skyblazers, the USAF demonstration team in Europe. He made an impression with his work at the Pentagon and is referred to in Tom Clancy’s book, “Every Man A Tiger.” After retiring from the Air Force, he turned to the world of banking. It was about this time Jim’s identical twin daughters were born; the highlight of his life. He supported and relished their mony accomplishments. He rose rapidly in banking. He was President of First Bank Rapid City from 1988-1995 and he became CEO First Bank South Dakota (now called US Bank) in 1996 retiring in 2001. Following his banking career Jim served as the Regional Manager for the Small Business Development Center for Western South Dakota and was CEO of Black Hills Business Development Center until 2013. Jim’s extensive involvement included NAJA Shrine Masonic Lodge 220; Rapid City Chamber of Commerce; Ellsworth Task Force; Past President of the South Dakota Bankers Association; Mt. Rushmore Society; Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Board; Children’s Care Hospital and School; Washington Pavilion; Sioux Falls Downtown Club; Convention Visitors Bureau; SE South Dakota Economic Council; Workforce Development Council Sioux Falls; Rapid City Economic Partnership; and Rural Collaborative for low income housing loans. He served as chairperson for the development of the Rapid City Cultural Plan; Community Development Corporations and Sioux Falls Cultural Plan. Jim is survived by his wife, Linda (Michelson); his daughters, Erica Mirehouse, Austin, TX and Karyn (Aaron) Groskopf, Scottsbluff, NE, who are also the daughters of Patricia Dewar Mirehouse; his granddaughter, Fallyn Groskopf; his sister, Sharen (Bradley) Wenz, Missoula, MT; nephew, Thomas Wenz, Denver, CO; and niece, Keli McQuiston Missoula, MT. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Richard. Jim will be missed by all whom had the pleasure of knowing him.