James “Jamie” Patrick Gerald Ryckman, Sauk Rapids, 39

December 1, 1974 - July 3, 2014

James “Jamie” Patrick Gerald Ryckman, age 39, Sauk Rapids, MN passed away Thursday, July 3, 2104 at the St. Cloud Hospital, St. Cloud, MN.

Visitation will be Monday, July 7, 2014 from 6:00 PM until time of service at Benson Funeral Home, St. Cloud, MN. There will be a prayer service at 7:00 PM Monday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be Tuesday, July 8, 2014 at 10:00 AM at North Star Cemetery, St. Cloud, MN.

James was born December 1, 1974 in Fort Yates, North Dakota to Gerald and Laura (Byington) Ryckman. He grew up in Sturgis, SD and moved to Benson, MN in 1988. James graduated from Minneapolis Technical and Community College in 2000 with an Architectural Drafting Engineer degree. He moved to Sauk Rapids, MN in 2008.

James loved oldies and powwow music, singing, dancing and his native heritage. He was a traditional dancer and attended powwows in South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. He was very artistic, loved to draw and sew his own dance regalia. James loved fellowship with his friends and hosted parties, get togethers and potlucks at his place.

Survivors include his mother, Laura Stempson of St. Cloud, MN; son, Andrew (Brittany) Berkey of Morris, MN; brothers, Eugene (Larinda Ryckman Tabaha) Ryckman of Spearfish, SD; Michael Stempson of Long Prairie, MN; and Hunka brother, Steven Carlstrom of Sauk Rapids, MN; sisters, Alberta (Gary) McMains of Belle Fourche, SD; Geralynn (Tony Staton) Ryckman of Paynesville, MN; Marlee Nebben of Breckenridge, MN; Crystal (Andrew Patterson) Stempson of Sauk Rapids, MN; aunts, uncles and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gerald Ryckman, one brother, Michael Byington, grandparents, uncles, Steve Byington, Richard Byington, Sr. and Elmer Ryckman.