James Abourezk

A Representative and a Senator from South Dakota. Born in Wood, Mellette County, S. Dak. , February 24, 1931. Attended the Wood and Mission public schools. Graduated as a civil engineer from the South Dakota School of Mines, Rapid City, S. Dak. , 1961. Graduated from the University of South Dakota Law School, Vermillion, S. Dak. 1966. Lawyer. Admitted to the South Dakota bar in 1966 and commenced practice in Rapid City. Served in the United States Navy 1948-1952. Elected as a Democrat to the Ninety-second Congress (January 3, 1971-January 3, 1973). Was not a candidate for reelection to the United States House of Representatives in 1972, but was elected as a Democrat to the United States Senate and served from January 3, 1973, to January 3, 1979. Was not a candidate for reelection in 1978. Chairman, Select Committee on Indian Affairs (Ninety-fifth Congress). Chairman, American Indian Policy Review Commission 1976. Resumed the practice of law and began a career in writing. Was a resident of Sioux Falls, S. Dak. , until his death on February 24, 2023. Interment in Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, S. Dak.