James (Jim)Stephens
James (Jim)Stephens was born in Bradley, South Dakota a small rural community in northeast SD. When he was was entering 6th grade his family moved to Webster, SD.
He entered Saint Otto‘s Catholic school and credits the Benedict sisters in helping him become a good student and also to develop a keen interest in science and mathematics. He attended Webster high school graduating in 1961 and onto SDSU majoring in pharmacy & graduating in 1966.
During the summers of college, Jim spent his time interning at Smith drug in Lemmon, SD under the supervision of pharmacist Ron Cornelius . Ron’s buddy and friend George Bartholomew owned a pharmacy down the street, covering for each other when the other one was hunting or fishing. “This was the way to go.” Jim thought . So when a positioned opened up in Pierre, close to where there was hunting & fishing, he took it.
After several years in Pierre and working at Vilas drug, Jim was offered the opportunity to purchase some shares in the company with four other business partners. As time evolved all the partners retired and Jim purchase their shares. Several years later of owning and operating Vilas drug, Jim had the opportunity to either open or purchase pharmacies in Eagle Butte, Faith, Lead and eventually Sundance and Moorcroft Wyoming. Jim and his wife Rona have 22 great employees and much of the success of the company they attributed to their great staff.
Rona was a Spanish and physical educator in Britton and then Onida after marrying Jim. They have three children, Kirsten and her husband David with their sons, Jim’s pride & joy, Andrew and Jacob. Second daughter, Lindsey, with a doctorate in English, teaches at Ogalala college. She’s an avid mountain climber has authored a guidebook for mountain climbing in the Needles of the Southern Black Hills. Justin, their son, co-owns several businesses with Rona and Jim.
Skiing in the hills of SD is a family affair for the Stephens. They hope to see you on the slopes and get to meet you in person at their pharmacies.
