James Thomas Smith

He was born January 22, 1924 in Newmansville, IL to James T. Sr. and Lou Beatty Smith.

Jim Served in the US Army Air Corp. in North Africa and Italy during WWII. He attended the University of Illinois where he received a Bachelors of Science in Agriculture and a Masters of Education degree. Jim moved to Punta Gorda in 1955 working for the Florida Farm Bureau Insurance Company as a regional manager. In 1958 he owned and operated the Smith Insurance Agency until his retirement in 1986. Jim operated and owned Solona Storage Inc. in his retirement years.

Jim was a member of the American Legion, Elks Club, Punta Gorda First United Methodist Church, Punta Gorda Country Club and many other civic organizations over the 51 years he lived in Punta Gorda.

Jim is survived by his loving family, including Russell Smith brother of Virginia Illinois, son Bruce T. Smith of Punta Gorda, grandson Ian Smith of Tampa, FL, granddaughter, Kellee Smith of Boca Raton, FL, nephews, Weldon DeGroot of Port Charlotte, FL, Dale DeGroot of Ashland, IL, as well as many grand nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Marie Coffey Smith and his son, Craig Smith in 1990.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 12, 2007 at the Kays-Ponger Funeral Home in Punta Gorda, from 5 pm 8 pm.

Funeral services will be held Saturday January 13, 2007 at 2 pm with viewing from 1 to 2 pm at the First United Methodist Church in Punta Gorda.