James A. Boocock

Ft. Pierre, SD

1933, 1791, Custer, F-12, Ass't Leader

A leading Pierre businessman and former Army National Guard general, James A. Boocock, 69, died unexpectedly Friday July 11, 1980 at St. Mary's Hospital. Boocock was born Sept. 9, 1911 at Faulkton and attended schools there.

He graduated from Fort Pierre High School and attended Huron College. Moving to Pierre in 1934, he worked with Standard Oil Co. He served in World War I II and owned a Dodge-Plymouth dealership in Pierre in the 1940s, then served again during the Korean conflict. After Korean military duty he bought a clothing store which became known as Boocock's, retiring in 1975. He was a brigadier general in the South Dakota Army National Guard and was formerly commanding officer of the 147th Field Artillery Group.

He was also secretary of the Civil Service Commission of South Dakota. At the time of his death, he was on the board of directors of Pierre National Bank. Boocock was active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Izaak Walton League and Pierre Chamber of Commerce and was a charter member of the Pierre Elks Club.

Below is from a 1966 article.
S.D. Guard Camp Planned

PIERRE (AP) - Camp Ripley, Minn., remembered by South Dakota National Guardsmen as the land of mosquitos and 15 cent soft drinks, may see less and less of the state's guardsmen.

Col. James Boocock, Pierre, commander of the 147th artillery said the South Dakota National Guard is giving serious consideration to construction of a camp in the Badlands that would be used for the annual two weeks of field training.

"We've liked the treatment at Ripley over the years," Col. Boocock said, "But we are a South Dakota outfit and feel it's desirable to locate and develop a camp here.

"And the potential of a training site in the Badlands may attract other states which would have to be overcome and could be financially profitable for us."

He said there were many problems developing the site, including refrigeration to offset the often-searing temperatures in the rugged west river area.

"But all senior commanders agree the Badlands camp is feasible," Boocock said, "and it would provide the best training you can get without someone shooting at you."

Below 1972
Merit Award

The Legion of Merit Award, the nation's fifth highest military decoration, has been awarded to Col. James A. Boocock, retired National Guard officer of Pierre.

Boocock was presented the award "for meritorious service while assigned as assistant adjutant general, headquarters, South Dakota Army National Guard."

Boocock, who served as a brigadier general in state service, was appointed assistant adjutant general July 1, 1969, and served through June 30, 1971. His previous National Guard command was the 147th Artillery with headquarters in Pierre.

He was officially discharged from the National Guard Dec. 8. 1971, after 29 years actual service, 33 years total service, in the Guard.

Boocock served with the United States Army in the European Theater during World War II, distinguishing himself in action during the landing at Normandy. His previous awards include the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, French Croix De Guerre with Palm and the Belgium Croix De Guerre.

The Legion of Merit was established by Act of Congress on July 20, 1942, and is awarded to a member of the armed forces of the United States or of a friendly foreign nation who has distinguished himself by outstanding meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services.

Do you have additional information about James Boocock

We would like to included it. Please write or email us at History "at" SouthDakotaCCC "dot" org.