James Morris Smith

June 7, 1926 - August 6, 2017

James Morris Smith, "Jim", passed away peacefully at his home on August 6, 2017, with his devoted wife, Lurene, and family by his side.

Jim was born June 7, 1926, to Vernon and Lula Smith in Hope, Arkansas. He moved with his parents and brother VE (Vernon Edison Smith, Jr.), to Bakersfield, California, in 1936 where he worked in the family business, Cottage Bakery, located at Niles & Williams Streets in East Bakersfield. Jim attended local schools and graduated from East Bakersfield High School in 1943. He immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy a month after his 17th birthday to serve his country during WWII following his brother VE who was serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps as part of the "Greatest Generation".

After his basic training, Jim was eventually assigned to the USS LCI "558" based in San Diego, California. It appeared as a random assignment where he would meet a fellow shipmate from Bakersfield. Although a rival from Kern County Union High School (BHS), Gene Rice and Jim became friends. As the families in Bakersfield learned that their sons were assigned to the same ship, plans were made to bring the families together for a casual gathering in Bakersfield when Jim and Gene were granted a leave. It was at this occasion that Jim would be introduced to Gene's younger sister, Lurene, who would later become Jim's wife and lifelong companion. Jim and Lurene recently celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary on June 20, 2017.

Jim developed an intense work ethic at an early age, decorating his first wedding cake at the age of 12. Over his career, Jim would decorate birthday and wedding cakes for thousands of families and friends, and took special pride in the wedding cakes he made for his children and grandchildren. Following his successful baking career, he would begin a second career as a technical food demonstrator and consultant for institutional food companies Multifoods and Dawn Food Company, where he made lifelong friendships and enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. After retirement, Jim would become a passionate woodcarver and wood-worker creating memorable gifts for his family and friends.

Jim's generosity was abundant throughout his life as he regularly volunteered and was involved in his children's many activities including Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and North of the River Baseball. He created many lasting memories for family and friends of all ages making regular excursions to baseball games in Los Angeles and camping trips to the Central Coast, Camp Wishon and Balch Park.

Jim was preceded in death by his brother VE, who lost his life serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII; his parents Vernon & Lula Smith; his in-laws, Larry & Ferne Rice; and brother-in-law and dear friend, Gene Rice. Jim leaves behind his wife Lurene, daughter Gaye, son Mark (Mindy), son Vern (Stacy), grandchildren Eric Berger (Celia), Natalie Stevens (Jim), Nicole Smith, Jami NoRunner (Donovan), Ashley Brandon (Patrick), Smith Mitchell (Theresa), Morgan Mitchell (Jodi), Kayleigh Pevyhouse (John), and Dylan Smith. He also leaves behind 20 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, dear friends Arnie & Clara LaChapelle, Nick Vlahos, special friend Tori Hoffmann, and numerous others whose lives were enriched through his love and friendship.

The family wishes to thank the exceptional staff of Hoffmann Hospice, the caregivers; the staff and "his harem" at The Village at Seven Oaks Assisted Living facility; and his physician, Dr. George Elias. Jim requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be directed to benefit Golden Empire Gleaners.

Memorial service will be held Friday, August 25th at 10:00 am at the Hillcrest Cemetery Chapel. Internment at the Bakersfield National Cemetery will follow at 12:30 pm. A celebration of life will follow the memorial service at 1:30 p.m., at the American Legion - Post 26 located at 2020 H Street.

Arrangements under the direction of Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary, Bakersfield, CA.