James R. Smith

He was born August 29, 1922 in Industry, IL to Loren W. and Mary (Carnes) Smith. He married Ruth Ferguson on October 1, 1944 in Savannah, GA. She survives.

Also surviving are his children, Larry (Christine) Smith of Princeton, IL, Beverly (Jim) Donovan of Wayland, MA; 1 brother Samuel (Ella) Smith of Bushnell, IL; 1 sister Arlene (Ray) Willis of Laurel, MT; 4 grandchildren, Jim (Thidie) Donovan of Franklin, MA, Michael (Karen) Donovan of Medfield, MA, Carrie (Dean) Mak of Naperville, IL, Matthew (Becky) Smith of Fort Collins, CO; 8 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by 4 brothers: Locie, Bill, Bob and Dan, and 3 sisters: Mildred, Mary, and Betty.

Jim was a WW II Army Air Corps veteran serving in the 8th Air Force in England as part of the 305th Bombardment Group as a ball turret gunner and radio operator, flying 25 missions over enemy occupied Europe. He was also a member of American Legion Post #2.

He worked at Caterpillar for over 35 years retiring as a quality assurance analyst in September of 1981.

Jim was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan. He loved to work in the garden and was an avid bowler and golfer. He also loved boating and skiing. He was active in all of his hobbies, including skiing, well into his 70’s. He even para-sailed at the age of 73.

Jim’s true love was his family. He always claimed to be the luckiest man in the world when it came to his family. He especially loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a people and animal lover. He will forever be missed by those whose lives he touched.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at Lutheran Hillside Village. Pastor Paul Park will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, May 28, 2012 at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel and one half hour prior to services on Tuesday at Lutheran Hillside Village. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in West Peoria.

Memorials may be made to Lutheran Hillside Village Benevolent Fund.

Online tributes and condolences may be made at www.davison-fulton.com.