“Our Friend Jim”
Words and music by Andy Young & Tyler Bills
with Mrs. Scharf”s 5th Grade Class
©2022 Andy Young & Tyler Bills
Born in 1949 in Alliance N-E
His parents’ names were Marian and Gene
His mother was a teacher, his father ranched and farmed the land
Growing up he loved to be his fathers
Young ranch hand
Had two brothers, Tom & Ross
Finished high school in ’68
Moved for school and went to Chadron State
An Architecture Landscape Degree, Is what filled up his head
Lincoln Nebraska, UNL ,Where they Scream “GO BIG RED”
In the 70’s he moved up North
To the Beautiful Black Hills
Camping, Hunting, Fishing
For a thrill
Everybody get up
And clap your hands for our friend Jim
We want him to know
This town is proud of him
Everybody get up
And clap your hands for our friend Jim
We want him to know
This town is proud of him
He loved his time working in the Hills
On the 1880 train
He walks his dog
A chocolate lab
Captain Lincoln is his name
A few of Jim’s favorite things
Are Steak and Apple Pie
He’s got 4 kids
Plus 9 grandkids
Are the apple of his eye
Meeting lots of people
When he was selling Real Estate
His proudest moments were
Watching all his children graduate
Chorus
Bridge:
We asked Jim for what he’s learned
A piece of life advice
Study Hard, Work Hard and enjoy your life
One more thing we learned from Jim
Wisdom for you and me
Always be good to your family
Jim Alcorn was born in 1949 in Alliance, Nebraska. His mother, Marian, was a teacher and his father, Gene, was a rancher/farmer. He has two brothers, Tom and Ross. Jim went to a country grade school called Mirage Flats in Hay Springs, Nebraska with about eighteen other classmates. One of his favorite memories of school was when he fell on the ice and then forgot to pass out his treats later that day. He also recalls a time when his youngest brother was small and rode his tricycle into a big hole in the ground. Jim’s proudest moment as a child was working the farm by feeding the cattle and working the fields.
While attending high school, Jim was active in football, basketball and track. After graduating high school in 1968, he attended Chadron State College and the University of Nebraska Lincoln for architecture and landscape.
Mr. Alcorn’s first job was as an engineer for the 1880 train in Hill City, SD. He had worked there during the previous summer selling tickets and doing repairs on the train. He also worked for Burlington Northern in Alliance, Nebraska as an engineer which was one of the most interesting things he has done in his life. Out of all the jobs Jim has worked though, selling real estate has been his favorite, while giving him the opportunity to meet so many interesting people.
Jim married Diane after meeting her at a restaurant she was working at. From this marriage, four children were born, Steve, Brad, Ryan and Megan. Having his four children graduate from college was Jim’s proudest moment as an adult. His nine grandchildren are some of the things closest to Jim’s heart.
One of Jim’s favorite things to do is to fish, hunt and camp as much as he can. He enjoys his dog, Captain Lincoln, or Cap, his chocolate lab. Jim is most fond of the Black Hills, but he enjoys traveling. He has visited many states and has taken a trip to Ireland. He looks forward to doing more traveling throughout the years.
Mr. Alcorn has lived in Spearfish for the past 45 years and has made a difference in other people’s lives. When asked what advice he had for young people today, he advised them to study hard, work hard, and enjoy life! Mr. Alcorn’s wisdom to us was to always be good to your family.