James Smith

James Nicholas Smith passed away June 10, 2015 in Salt Lake City, UT. He was born May 3, 1940 in New Brunswick, NJ to Mary Elizabeth Hardy and James Andrew Smith and was one of 10 children. During his life he honorably served his country in the US Army. He served as the Commander of the American Legion Post 112 among other positions. Jim loved hunting, fishing, and razzing his friends. He was a jokester and the truest type of friend. It has been said about Jim, “You can count your true friends on one hand, and that is true. Jim was my #1 friend.” He was a simple man who did not have much need for material or fancy things. People were always most important. While in the hospital he was asked if he had any advice to leave his family. He said, “Be good to each other.” His friends and family had the privilege of being by his side through the end.
He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Hansen, her husband Benjamin Hansen, and their children, Manga, Thomas, and Syrena; daughter Virginia Smith and her children Michael Smith and Brandy Clements; daughter Brenda Winter and her son Nicholas; son James Keith Smith; girlfriend Gloria Hunt and her daughter Kimberly Deelstra and granddaughter Dalis; sisters Anna Mae Armstrong, Ruth Bell, Helen Makowski, Irene Suydam, Rose Murray, and Judith Pastore; 6 great grandchildren; dozens of nieces and nephews; ex-wife and friend Jacqueline Smith, and his best friend / partner in crime Scott Johnson.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Elizabeth Hardy and James Andrew Smith, and siblings Lucille Harris, Joyce Zigler, James Andrew Smith, and Mary E. Smith.
Military Honors & Cremation Burial will be held at 10 am on Friday, June 19, 2015.
Utah Veterans Cemetery & Memorial Park
17111 South Camp Williams Road
Bluffdale, Utah 84065
Celebration of Life to immediately follow located at:
American Legion Post 71
3419 W Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84115
Dress is casual, but respectful. Jim was not a fancy guy. Jeans and boots were more his style.
In lieu of flowers we are asking that a donation be made to the Palliative Care suites at the VA Medical Center in Salt Lake City, UT. Donations can be made in Dad’s name by calling the Palliative Care Service at 801-582-1565 ext. 2681.