James Leslie Bacon

James Leslie Bacon “Jim”, 79, of Smithville, TX, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2023. He was born in Kansas City, KS on September 24, 1943. Jim attended McGill Institute, a Catholic High School located in Mobile, AL, graduating in 1961. He later earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1972 from Central State University, in Edmond, OK. Thereafter, Jim provided decades of loyal service as a computer programmer for the federal government.

Jim was a member of the country club; country music is what he loved. He excelled at his passions which included dancing, shooting pool, telling jokes, travelling, automobiles, bourbon tasting and above all else raising his kids. Jim learned and mastered numerous construction and mechanical trade skills and enjoyed building homes, repairing cars and completing a wide range of home improvement and remodeling projects.

Jim Bacon will be long and affectionately remembered for his selfless devotion to his family, his zest for life, story-telling, constant laughter and generosity with his time, skills and resources.

Jim is survived by his wife Rosa Nelson (née Martinez), ex-wife Mary Drew (née Bailey), sons James “Floyd” (Michaela) Bacon, Timothy “Bo” (Marisa) Bacon, Leslie “Ed” (Courtney) Bacon, and Austin Bacon; stepdaughters Stephanie (Logan) Owens, and Andrea (Sean) Parsons. He leaves behind five grandsons: Schuyler, Maxwell, A.J., Cameron, and Simon and seven granddaughters: Madeline, Eleanor, Nicole, Natalie, Penelope, Lucia, and Emerson. He is also survived by brothers Michael Bacon, Sam Bacon, his sister Jacqueline Ostrom (née Bacon), and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Floyd and Cecilia Bacon.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations of bourbon, beer or music to any celebration of life in his memory.