In 1949 Jake Eitrem started a service station and bulk plant on the corner of Dows and Railroad. In 1967 the business was turned over to Howes Oil Company of Sioux Falls. They operated the business for 5 years. In 1972 they sold the land and building to Marshall and Mary Gardner. The service station was remodeled and made into a small store and self service gas station. Marshall and Mary gave the
business the name of Jesse James Service. The Gardner's ran the business until January of 1981 when they sold the store and gas station to Ron and Jan Rounds. They too, did some more remodeling of the old building by finishing another room in the back and adding a larger walk-in cooler. They changed the name to Jesse James Mini Mart. In June of 1983 Tom and Rose Tyrrell purchased the building from Round's. The name Jesse James Mini Mart was kept and again the building was added on to. New siding and roof were added, as well as new gas pumps. The inventory was increased and changes continued to be made. The station was managed by Brian and Janet Tyrrell from 1986 to 1996. In 1996 they purchased the business from Brian's parents, Tom and Rose. In that year they changed the name to Jesse James Country Store. They currently own Jesse James at this time.
