Mr. Smith was a retired auditor for Western Union. He was a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Korean Conflict. He was a Past-President of the Oakland Neighborhood Association. Jim was a longtime member of the Fairview Heights Church of God as well as a lay minister at Christ Church, Fairview Heights, IL. Mr. Smith enjoyed working with stained glass and was an avid coin and stamp collector. He dedicated his life to the Lord and his family whom he dearly loved.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Gallias and Galena, nee Barnett, Smith; and a brother Quentin Smith.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jean, nee Forney, Smith of Belleville, Illinois;
a daughter, Pamela (James) Fetters, of Belleville, IL;
a son, Michael Smith, of Richmond, VA;
seven grandchildren, Rachael (Kellen) Latchem of Waterloo, IL, Jessica (Michael) Crudale of Smithton, IL, James (Julie) Fetters of Smithton, IL, Kenneth Fetters, Joseph Fetters, and Matthew and Michelle Smith both of Chicago, IL;
seven great-grandchildren, Brendan, Kruz, Jett, Liv, Chloe, James and Jake;
a sister, Jean Saunders of Gallipolis, OH;
and a nephew, Dale Smith.
Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.rennerfh.com.
Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, September 12, 2018, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, September 13, 2018, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Burial with full military honors will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.