James William Smith "Jim" was born on December 31, 1945 in Hinsdale, Illinois to his parents Albert David Smith and Harriet Mary Hasselbacher. Jim was a very athletic young man. In high school he ran track, enjoyed gymnastics, and began playing indoor and outdoor soccer in his twenties, which he continued to play well into his fifties. He also loved playing softball with the church league, and was an avid golfer. Jim enjoyed the game of golf and was fortunate enough to golf at such courses like "Pebble Beach & Spyglass".
Jim served his country as a part of the United States Military Army Branch, which he was a PVT-E-1st Class and was discharged at the rank of PVT-E-3rd Class in 1971. Upon leaving the military Jim began working vending machines with his brother Chuck. He later started working for Cooper Air-Motive (Later named Dallas Airmotive) where he worked as an air craft mechanic. Jim managed every aspect of repairs on the engines and climbed the ladder of his career with the ability to put together a complete aircraft engine. After a 30 year Dallas Airmotive career Jim retired from manager over spay tay engine repair. He then went on to become parts manager for his daughter and son in laws business Xtreme Collision.
One of the highlights of Jim's life is when he accepted Jesus as his savior in 1978. Jim loved God's word and studying it. He did in-depth studies with Strongs Concordance and began reading through the bible every year in 2004. Out of his passion for Christ was birthed what is now known as "Daily Meds". This is how Jim shared his meditations and Gods word with so many people. He truly lived a life for Christ and demonstrated it in his worship.
On December 4, 2021 God called Jim home.
Jim is survived by his wife Debra Sue Smith, sister Betsy Wolfe, Three children of his own, James William Smith Jr, Charles
Eric Smith, Stephanie Kay Funk, three children through marriage Dorothy Sue Saliger, Matthew Ray Brandt and Christopher Ryan Brandt.
Grandchildren by age: RJ Scala, Sawyer Smith, Erika Cason, Melody Bandola, Stephanie Penkunis, Savannah Smith, Brianna Cansler, Jake Smith, Jay Cansler, Draven Pierce, Jaeten Smith, Trinity Funk, Kaylee Funk, Valerie Brandt, Sylas Brandt and Victoria Brandt. He also had nine great grandchildren three of which were grafted in from a marriage.
Preceeded by:
Father, Albert David Smith, mother Harriet Mary Hasselbacher, brothers Albert David Smith Jr, Charles Frederick Smith, first wife Brenda Kay Smith, and grand daughter
Sharice Joella Smith.
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