James Birnbaum, 63, passed away Saturday, February 14, 2015 at his home in Flandreau. Jim was born January 4, 1952 at Egan, SD to Henry and Agnes (Fitzgerald) Birnbaum. He attended school in Egan and graduated from Egan High School in 1970. Jim had a deep love of music and was a member of the band The 13th Hour in high school. After graduating he went on the road with his band the Nickel Bag of Soul. Jim married Judy Brees on June 3, 1978 in Colman, SD. He continued playing music and was also in the bands Priceless and Rising Suns. The Nickel Bag of Soul was inducted in the South Dakota Music Association Hall of Fame on April 13, 2013. Jim also loved to cook and was one of the top chefs at the Royal River Casino for the last ten years. Prior to this he worked at T&R Electric for fifteen years. He also managed the Flandreau Country Club for ten years. Jim met a lot of people in his lifetime and made many friends. His passion in life was his family, cooking and his music.

Jim is survived by his wife Judy Birnbaum, Flandreau, his children Judy (John) Eldridge, Flandreau, Debbie Julian, Sioux Falls, Vicki (Tom) Bunkers, Colton, James (Brenda) Standifer, Egan, 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and one sister Bonnie (Bob) Wheeler, Minneapolis. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers Don and Roger.

Memorial service will be 2:00 pm Saturday, February 21, 2015 at Skroch Funeral Chapel, Flandreau. Visitation will be three hours prior to the service at the chapel.