James L. Smith

SMITH, James Leo, 72, baptized in the hope of the Resurrection. Born August 17, 1945 and died December 6, 2017, he was the husband of Francine (nee Diebold) Smith; loving father of Marcia (Duke) Niedringhaus, Julie (Doug) Stanley, Peggy (Greg) Shrader, Jeremy (Stacie) Smith; dear grandfather of Ashley Niedringhaus (Dan Wojno), Megan Niedringhaus-Hill (Evan Hill), Claire Henson, Will Shrader, Charlie Shrader, Jimmy Stanley, Maggie Shrader, Jay Smith, Jack Stanley, Emma Smith, Sasha Smith; great grandfather of Gus Hill; dear son of the late Leo L. “Tex” and Margaret (nee Ogle) Smith; dear brother of Judith Smith, John “Jack” (Ellen) Smith, Michael (the late Patricia) Smith, Kevin Smith, and the late Kathleen Schlesinger; brother-in-law of Dan Schelsinger.

Jim Smith was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and a true friend to many. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Francine, for more than 52 years, raising 4 children and enjoying 11 grandchildren and a great grandson. Those who were blessed to know him will attest to his generosity, humor, love, and honor. In his long career as a commercial broker and real estate developer, Jim was instrumental in numerous developments in Saint Louis, but most notably the revitalization of the Chase Park Plaza Hotel and Private Residences in the Central West End. During his esteemed career, he served as Chair of the St. Louis County Planning and Zoning Commission, a Board member of the St. Louis County Local Development Corporation, a Commissioner of the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission, a member of the Society of Office and Industrial Realtors, among others, and lent his expertise and time to many St. Louis charitable organizations. He had a special love for his Board position with the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis – Cathedral Concerts, where his wife is a long-standing choir member. His devotion to his community was rivaled only by his love and commitment to his family and friends. Jim was an avid and master pilot, who spent as much time in the sky as he did on the ground. His passion for visiting the Great American West was a lifelong love, and he flew countless trips to watch the sun rise and set over the Grand Canyon, which outside of a home filled with his family, was his favorite place on earth. He valued upholding holiday traditions and reciting family history, and his family will carry that torch in his honor in the years to come. Jim’s spirit and enthusiasm for life will be remembered by all those he helped and supported over the years. He leaves a Grand Canyon-sized hole in the hearts of his family and we will miss him beyond measure.

SERVICES: Memorial Visitation 3-8pm Monday, December 11, 2017 at KRIEGSHAUSER WEST MORTUARY 9450 Olive Blvd., Olivette. Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday 10am Cathedral Basilica 4431 Lindell Blvd. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wings of Hope (www.wingsofhope.ngo) or Our Lady’s Inn (www.ourladysinn.org).