Community : James E. ‘Jim’ Smith : Sierra Vista, AZ

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James E. ‘Jim’ Smith


Published/Last Modified on Tuesday, Mar 04, 2008 - 06:22:47 am MST

Sept. 18, 1930 - Feb. 26, 2008

An honorable man, a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend, James E. “Jim” Smith age 77, of Roosevelt, Utah, died Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008, at the Salt Lake Regional Medical Center. Jim is now safe and secure in the arms of his beloved Lord Jesus Christ. He had used his strong work ethic to fight his medical problems and followed a strict routine of diet and exercise that helped him enjoy his family and friends on earth for as long as possible.

Jim was born September 18, 1930, in Winters, Texas, to Verda Hudson and James E “Buck” Smith. He grew up on the family farm, milking cows and picking cotton among other chores. He later played football (center) for the Blizzards of Winters High School and had a lifelong love for the sport. For years, no matter the weather or the workload, he always tried to make it to the Union High School football games. He also loved the game of golf and was there and ready to go the day the Roosevelt Golf Course was dedicated.


Jim graduated from Winters High School and joined the U.S. Air Force. He served in the U.S., the Philippines and South Korea during the Korean War. Upon discharge he enrolled in Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, paying his way by working morning tower as an oilfield roughneck. After completing his bachelor’s degree in geology, he soon went to work for the Baroid Division of the National Lead Company and worked in Texas, Montana, North Dakota, Alaska, Utah, Nevada, Wyoming and Louisiana. He was one of the first to take part in the Uintah Basin oil boom of the seventies, arriving in March of 1971 with his wife Kay, sons, Bret, Travis, Kyle and his beloved daughter Suzanne.

Jim loved to read, to learn, to visit about sports, politics, anything, including his wife, his kids, his grandkids. He especially made sure that they all knew how much he loved them and that he was proud of them.

Jim married Kay Cronk of Harlem, Mont., on Aug. 22, 1959, in the First Presbyterian Church. Their 48 years together were made possible by his determination to fight the good fight. At the time of his death, he was a member of the Myton Community Presbyterian Church, where he contributed his time and talents over the years. He was kind, generous and very caring, standing up for the underdog even when it was not a popular thing to do.

Jim is survived by his wife, Kay of Roosevelt; his sons, James “Bret” (Stacie) Smith, grandchildren, Dylan, Maggie and Jack all of Sierra Vista, Ariz.; John “Travis” (Theresa Clark) Smith, Cody, Wyo.; Jefferson “Kyle” (Tammy) Smith, grandchildren, Aaron and Carly, all of Vernal; daughter, Suzanne (Willi) Galinac, granddaughter, Emma, all of Belgrade, Mont.; brother, David (Cindy) Smith of Winters; sister, Karen (Roy) Austin of McKinney, Texas; and numerous other relatives.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Buck and Verda Smith, his in-laws, John and Leona Cronk Sr., his brother and sister-in-law, Billy Wayne and Janie Smith.

Following his wishes, Jim was a tissue and bone donor; his remains were cremated. The family is planning a memorial service for a later date when the weather is warmer — another preference of Jim’s.

Memorials to the Myton Community Presbyterian Church, a person in need or a charity of your choice. Hullinger Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. For information, visit hullingermortuary.com.

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