“Jim”, 88, of Punta Gorda, Florida, passed away on December 24, 2024. He was born in Burningtown, North Carolina on November 4, 1936. He grew up in Powder Springs, Georgia and moved to Punta Gorda in the late 1950’s where he met his wife, Charlotte. He was drafted into the Army and served in the 86th Engr. Bn, Fort Dix, NJ.
Jim was an auto mechanic and worked at Palm Chevrolet for many years before opening his own automotive shop, Jim Smith Auto Service. Jim loved auto racing and built his own car, No. 90, which he raced on local tracks and around Southwest Florida. He also loved hunting, fishing, and playing the guitar and banjo with his daughter, siblings, and friends.
In his retirement years, he loved golfing, watching sports, listening to music, and being a grandpa.
He is survived by his wife, Charlotte G. (Horner) Smith; his daughter, Belinda (Joel) Crossman and his granddaughter, Chelsea Crossman, whom he lovingly called “Cosie”.
A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 635 E. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, followed by a memorial service from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.
