Joseph Jamerson, 1939-2021
Obituaries-Mobridge / Posted Dec 6, 2021 | 10:28 AM / 781 views
Funeral services for Joseph Jamerson, 82, of Little Eagle will be at 2 PM, CT, Saturday, December 11, 2021, at the Messiah Church in Little Eagle. Burial will be at Joe’s Ranch under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Visitation will be Friday at 6 PM with a prayer service at 7 PM at Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Joseph passed away Sunday, November 28, 2021, at Sanford Medical Center in Bismarck.
Joseph Charles Jamerson was born and raised in Little Eagle, South Dakota, he was the son of Theron Kingsley Jamerson (Big Bud) and Grace (Brown) Jamerson. Joe was the second oldest of his siblings, James, Theron Everette, Frank and Kenneth. He grew up around the Little Oak Creek and Armstrong Ranch with the Johnson brothers near Run Around Butte. Joe went to school at Little Eagle Day School, Pierre Indian Learning Boarding School and McLaughlin High School. Joe was a born rancher and ran his cattle ranch until the time of his death. He was an active member of the Messiah UCC Church in Little Eagle, South Dakota. Joe loved spending his free time playing BINGO at the Bear Soldier Bingo Palace, Gambling at the Grand River Casino and Prairie Knights Casino. His grandkids called him by his nickname “Jackpot Joe” from his occasional winnings at the casinos.
Joe’s hobbies included fishing at the river, hunting, word puzzles, playing a good game of Aggravation (helping Liz cheat), riding horse in his younger days, eating a sweet juicy piece of watermelon with his loved ones, enjoying sweets with his sweet tooth and just being surrounded by family and visiting.
He was an avid supporter of the activities his grandkids were involved in. When they would mention they had an activity coming up, he was the first person they told. He would go and show his support the best way he knew how. He also enjoyed watching his grand daughter Shania play high school basketball. He was a faithful fan in the audience at every home and away game. When the game would get intense, so did his cheering. He loved the State tournament experience in Watertown, SD; while there he wandered off to use the bathroom without letting anyone know so everyone was searching for him.
Joe spent a vast majority of his time in McLaughlin with his nieces and grandchildren. There wasn’t a birthday or holiday that the family forgot, the greatest joy was to eat and celebrate with Joe. Joe enjoyed laughing and teasing with his family. He and Everette had quite the time playing games with the grandchildren during the summer birthdays because that’s when everyone could be outside and not have to worry about being too cold. He was always eager and willing to jump in with Lovey for a random road trip to Mobridge for ice cream, a sports event, quick trip to Bismarck, supper at Grand River or Prairie Knights. He had a special bond with his great-granddaughter Elizabeth with whom shared their own little secret language. His nightly phone calls of “I made it home” would end with their little language. He enjoyed taking pictures with Shania, Shay and Alicia when they would use the Snapchat filters and laugh and laugh. Each of his grand children knew him as their special Lala Joe, there was no greater Lala than Lala Joe. Just before the sun would go down, Lovey would tell him “Uncle you better hit the road it’s getting late” he’d always follow with sarcasm “You think I live in Fort Pierre?” When asked what he was hungry for by Lovey, he would always answer that he was hungry for one of her traditional foods. He loved helping her make wasna because he was the taste tester for every batch. His famous answer instead of “yes” would be his low monotone “OKAY”.
Joe was survived by his two brothers Theron Everette and Frank, sisters Ina McNeil and Cecilia Tenoso. Also, his nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Chance Cottonwood, who he helped raise. Along with his pets, Frosty Sr, Frosty Jr and Molly.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents Theron & Grace, brothers Theron Jr, James and Kenneth, and his sister Della Brown-Fairbanks. Along with his special pet, Curley Joe, his toy poodle. David Eagle, who Joe also helped raise.