James O. Smith

JAMES OLIN SMITH was born on December 19, 1954 to George and Eleanore (Jensen) Smith in Aberdeen, South Dakota. He was raised in Mellette, South Dakota. At a young age, the family moved to a farm near Fort Ripley, Minnesota. Jim received his education and graduated from high school in Brainerd, Minnesota. Jim then enlisted into the United States Navy. He served his country in Vietnam, Philippines, Hawaii and Bremerton, Washington. Upon his honorable discharge he joined his mother in Knoxville, Iowa and worked building machinery at Vermeer in Pella, Iowa. On July 28, 1979 Jim was united in marriage to Ann Ladwig under the covered bridges in Knoxville. They lived in Knoxville until July of 1980, when they moved to Juneau, Alaska. Jim worked a short time in construction and later as a micro phish processor for the State of Alaska. In March of 1996 moved to Beaver Creek, Minnesota. Jim worked various jobs and spent many of his next years with Walmart.

On Thursday, October 25, 2018 while working outside his home, Jim went be in the arms of Jesus at the age of 63 years, ten months and six days.

Jim was a member of New Life Celebration Church in Luverne and the Dell Hogan American Legion Post 123. He enjoyed working on small engines, helping neighbors, woodworking, taking care of his “Walmart girls” and keeping up his property and home. He loved his dogs, hunting and spending time with his grandchildren.

Jim is lovingly remembered by his wife, Ann; son, Chris Smith, Sr., (significant other, Tammi) of Beaver Creek; two grandchildren, Chris Smith, Jr. (significant other, Stephanie), and Riley Smith; two great-grandchildren, Jocelyn Smith and Kale Smith; six siblings, Jeannie (Joe) Gardner, Verna Smith, Wyatt (Joy) Smith, Loreli (Nelvin) Bryant, Ava (Allen) Kent, Bianca (Steve) Hornung; brother-in-law, Phil Seward; and other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; three siblings, Georgia Ann Smith, Jo Linda Seward and Tony Smith.