James A Smith, 75, of Columbus died Friday afternoon at Mercy Hospital, of Springfield, Mo. following an illness.
Born June 15, 1946, in Pittsburg, Jim was the son of James A Smith Sr. and Wilma E (Kennett) Smith. He had lived in Columbus since 1976 moving from Pittsburg. Following high school, Jim was trained in a vocational school to become a certified electrician. He then worked in a maintenance department, retiring in 1999 after 30 years of service.
Jim also cared for his farm animals, including horses. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and attending his kids and grandkids activities.
Jim and Pamela S. Neil were united in marriage June 1, 1968 in Pittsburg. She survives. In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by one son,
In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by one son, Clint Smith (Jennifer Leeper), of Columbus; one daughter, Neile Crane (Jeff), of Joplin, Mo.; three grandchildren, Sam Smith (Kristin), Keri Spear (Jared) Hall and Nikki Burton (Corey); two great-grandchildren, Cooper Burton and Blair Burton; and his mother-in-law, Kathleen Neil, of Pittsburg.
Jim was entrusted to Derfelt’s Baxter Chapel, in Baxter Springs, for cremation. The family hopes to have a Celebration of Life at a later date.