James Warren Smith

James Warren Smith was born on July 31st, 1937 in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. His mother, Emma Elizabeth, father, John Robert, and brother, Don, moved to Camp Hale, Colorado in 1942. He married his high school sweetheart Loretta Crow on December 30, 1956. Jim and Loretta had their first daughter, Patty, in 1958. She was soon followed by their second daughter, Linda, in 1960.

Jim was a proud Marine. After being discharged, he earned a degree in electronics from Denver Technical College, where he was voted “most likely to succeed” by his peers. Soon after, he started at Martin Marietta where he worked for 40 years. He was a group engineer in advanced manufacturing technology for their aeronautics group. Outside of work, he had a passion for sports, music, and his family. Jim was also an avid tennis player and golfer. He was very good at fixing things and spent many hours working on cars and tinkering in the garage. Jim was quick to offer his knowledge and help to anyone who needed it. He enjoyed cooking and food. He had a special love for sandwiches, and his famous sweet and sour pearl onions will be missed at Thanksgiving. Jim loved animals and even had his own horse when he was young. Jim also liked escaping the Colorado winters to spend days on the beach in Florida with Loretta.

Grandpa Jim was the most supportive father and grandfather anyone could ask for. He and Loretta religiously attended sports games, concerts, and graduations for all of their children.

Jim and Loretta were never afraid of adventure. One of Jim’s claims to fame as a youngster was riding his motorcycle through the halls of North High school. Then, in 1970, they loaded up their Buick with their young girls and headed to Mexico on an epic road trip to Mazatlan. Later on, Jim and Loretta recruited their kids and grandkids for road trips to Wyoming, California, and South Dakota. The crew also took trips to Steamboat Springs and Durango.

We recently celebrated Jim and Loretta’s 60th Anniversary and Jim’s 80th Birthday.

Jim is survived by his wife Loretta, his two children Patricia (Steve Wakumoto) and Linda (Kevin Sparks), and his 5 grandchildren - David, Joseph, Ryan, Sarah, and Mary.

He was a friend to everyone and was always the guy to call if you ever needed a helping hand. There was nothing Jim wouldn’t do for someone in need. He will be deeply missed by all that had the privilege of knowing him.

There will be a Celebration of Life on September 23, 2017, 12:00 at the Mount Vernon Country Club on Lookout Mountain. (Casual)

If desired, contributions may be made to the Diabetes Association.