James A. Smith aged 76 passed away peacefully October 14, 2011. He was born December 19, 1934 in Cloquet Minnesota and graduated from Lincoln High School in Esko Minnesota. After graduation, Jim joined the army becoming a veteran of the Korean War. He served with the 10th Mountain Division, and considered himself fortunate to have served with the 25th infantry division, The Tropic Lightning, in Schofield barracks on the island of Oahu.

Jim moved to Salt Lake City after becoming a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There he met and married his sweetheart and lifelong companion Verleen Smith in the Salt Lake Temple. James retired from BYU where he worked in the Physical Facilities Department doing the heating and air conditioning for the campus. Jim served faithfully in all of his church callings, including many years as a ward clerk, and 10 years of service in the Provo Temple. He was always kind and willing to help others. He was a good neighbor, a good friend and a good father. Jim had a great sense of humor and a quick smile.

James is survived by his sons; Steve (Joyce) Smith, Jeffery (Hailee) Smith, Donald (Jenny) Smith and Kenneth Smith; his brothers and sisters; Robert (Mary) Smith. Donald Smith, Richard Smith, Belva (Glen) Bartlet, and Beulah Smith, 16 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his wife Verleen and his son Shawn.

Funeral services will be Thursday, October 20, 2011, 11:00 a.m., in the Payson 18th Ward, 482 West 1400 South. Friends may call at the Walker Mortuary, 587 South 100 West, Payson, Wednesday, 6-8:00 p.m. or at the church Thursday, 9:45-10:45 a.m. Burial will be in the Payson City Cemetery with Military Rites accorded by the American Legion, Dist. #4.

The family would like to thank: the staff at Parkway Health Center for the patient and thoughtful care they provided him; his exceptional nurse Kandy Rogers, and his new friend Lynn for all of her kind help.