MITCHELL, S.D.(KMIT)- Former Dakota Wesleyan University president and gubernatorial candidate Jim Beddow has passed away at the age of 81.

Beddow was born in Huron and raised in Woonsocket.  He attended USD and then the University of Oklahoma where he received a doctorate in rural history before joining the U.S. Army.

Following several teaching and administrative positions, he became president at Dakota Wesleyan University.  He served as president at DWU from 1981 until 1994.

In 1994, he ran for governor and was defeated by Bill Janklow.

He created and supported rural-centric initiatives and collaborations in subsequent years and was a consultant for several statewide and regional rural education initiatives.

A celebration of life for Jim Beddow will be held Thursday from 5-8 PM at First United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls.