James J. Smith

James J. Smith, 69, of Kokomo, passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2013, at his residence. He was born August 18, 1943 in Kokomo, to James Henry and Faye Irene Smith. On September 12, 1969, he married Paula N. Smith. He served his country in the United States Air Force. He retired from General Motors as a forklift Driver after 33 ½ years of service. He enjoyed traveling, spending time with his family and took pride transporting children to hospital with the Shriner’s Club. James was member of the Kokomo Shrine Club and the Grotto Club. He was a member of the VFW, and belonged to Masonic Temple, Howard Lodge #93 where he was past Master in 2007. He enjoyed helping others, watching the military channel and liked clocks. He is survived by his wife, Paula Smith of Kokomo; brother, Gary (Brenda) Smith of Kokomo; sister, Pat Gove of Bullhead City, Arizona; sister-in-law, Dee (Bill) Daisy of Kokomo; brother-in- law, Myron Bruce of Center Point, Indiana; and several nieces and nephews. In addition, his guardians who raised him, Grant and Betty Hayes; family, Jan and Jimie; and pets “Lady” & “Buddy” which were like his kids. The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home with Rev. Steven Sherwood officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Visiting hours will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. A Masonic Service will be held at 7:00 PM on Monday at the funeral home. Messages of condolence may be expressed online at www.sunsetmemorygarden.com.