James Robert Smith

James "Jim" Robert Smith, 82, of Pekin, passed away on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at his home. He was born on September 22, 1943, in Glasgow, Kentucky, a son of James F. and Annie "Christine" (Richey) Smith. Jim married Rebecca Kay Goeken on June 24, 1962, in Folkston, Georgia. She survives.

He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Bri Smith of Lake Camelot; seven grandchildren, Eric B. (Ashton) Smith of Morton, Ashlee N. Smith of Pekin, Alisha (Roger Moon) Vanderloop of Bonduel, Wisconsin, Ryan (Ashley) Smith of Shawano, Wisconsin, Gracelyn Smith, Kayley Smith and Evelyn Smith, all of Lake Camelot; eight great-grandchildren, Ella Vanderloop and Hadleigh Vanderloop, both of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Hunter James Smith of Pekin, Rowan Smith of Shawano, Wisconsin, Landon Pace of Morton, Hazel and Olivia Moon of Bonduel, Wisconsin, and Layla Smith of Morton; two step-great-grandchildren, Allen Enneper of Shawano, Wisconsin, and Zoey Donaldson of Morton; two brothers, Clifton David (Mary) Smith of Belleville and Charles F. (April) Smith of Fort Myers, Florida; and two sisters-in-law, Melinda Smith of Fort Myers, Florida and Sue Smith of Bloomington.

Preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Eric B. Smith and Todd Alan Smith; and two brothers, Samuel L. Smith and Billy Joe Smith.

Jim served his country in the United States Navy.

He worked in management for Caterpillar, Inc. for 41 years, retiring in 2001.

Jim loved fishing, landscaping, and working with computers.

Jim's visitation will be from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home in Pekin. His funeral service will be at 11:00 am also on Friday at the funeral home. Rev. Judy Doyle will officiate. Burial will take place following the service at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org or The Jim and Trudy Maloof St. Jude Affiliate Clinic at https://www.stjude.org/give.html

Online condolences may be shared with Jim's family at www.Preston-Hanley.com