(Jim) James Oliver Smith

1929 - 2017

(Jim) James Oliver Smith  obituary, 1929-2017, Temple, TX

BORN

1929

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home - Temple

3220 South 31st Street

Temple, Texas

(Jim) James Smith Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 10, 2017.

James O. Smith, 88 of Temple, went to his Heavenly home on November 7, after a long illness. He is survived by wife of fifty years, Marilyn; they married in 1967. Jim is survived by sisters, Janie Ward and Onita Watson, brother Homer Smith. He is also survived by his son, Eric Smith (Dea Young-Smith), his granddaughters, China Young and Morgan Smith. Children of his previous marriage, James O. Smith, Jr. (Roseann), Sherri White (Bill), and Helen Marie Berry (Keith), grandchildren from this side of the family include Christy Funk, Wyatt Smith, Heather Severance, Diana Blake Jones, Kelly Eaton and Jill Berry. Jim also leaves many great-grandchildren and a host of family and friends. Jim was born October 21, 1929, to John and Lila Stroud Smith in Three Rivers, Texas. The strong work ethic he learn from his parents guided him his entire life. Growing up on a farm, he attended Three Rivers School and later got his GED. He served in the U.S. Army two years, finishing that commitment at the rank of Master Sergeant. A good soldier and proud Veteran, he displayed Ol' Glory daily in his front yard. He loved to make things with his hands such as clocks and small pieces of furniture. Talented in many ways, he loved to paint houses and was a skilled plumber who also enjoyed gardening. He held many jobs and was a loyal productive worker. He worked for United Gas Pipeline in Texas and in the paint department at Timpte Trailer Company in Denver for many years. I 1978, Jim and Marilyn moved to Temple. In Temple he was hired by the school district as their head painter. In 1984, the Smith's moved to Texarkana so Marilyn could be closer to her parents in Illinois. Jim served not only as the head plumber for the Texarkana ISD, but drove a school bus for many years. With advancing age, Jim began working as a greeter, first in Texarkana at K-mart, in Temple at Wal-mart and lastly as a crossing guard at Cater Elementary School in Temple.
Never one to criticize others, Jim will be remembered for his friendly disposition, his cooperative spirit, his generosity, his thoughtfulness, and his eagerness to help those in need. Services for Jim Smith will be Monday, November 13, at 10:30am at Meadow Oaks Baptist Church, Temple. A visitation will be held from 4:00pm to 6:00pm on Sunday, November 12, 2017 at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, Temple. Burial will follow at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, Killeen, Texas. Funeral services under the direction of Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, Temple, Texas. Arrangements under the direction of Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, Temple, TX.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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4 Entries

December 11, 2017

Grant Vaughan

How do you ever try and replace a father figure, a friend or a neighbor like James Smith? I will never try to repair or fix an item in the future without channeling James Smith. Rest now my friend, even heaven needs repairs...lol.

November 24, 2017

Christina King

You were by far the best neighbor anyone could have. Not only were you and Marilyn good friends, you were part of our family. I will always cherish the wonderful memories we all created. You are loved and already missed. Rest in Peace my friend.

November 12, 2017

Rex Falconer

I spent many afternoons at Cater Elementary talking with Mr. Smith while waiting to pick up my children. Mr. Smith was knowledgeable about many subjects, and always a pleasure to talk to. He instantly came across as a kind and caring man, one of those you hear described as "they don't make them like that any more." He was kind to, and loved by, the kids he helped across the cross walk. There has never been a more protective crossing guard than Jim Smith. I share my love and sympathy with those he left behind, as well as a prayer for comfort and peace.

November 10, 2017

M

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

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Funeral services provided by:

Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home - Temple

3220 South 31st Street, Temple, TX 76502

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