Sgt. James W. Smith

Sgt. James "Jim" W. Smith, 59, of Springfield, passed away at 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at St. John's Hospice. Jim was born November 7, 1951 in Springfield, the son of George Robert and Etter Lou Sneed Smith. He married Linda Kay Gudgel on August 6, 1979 in Springfield. Jim had been a member of the Saturday night 2 + 2 bowling league at King Pin Lanes. He proudly served as a Sgt. in the Army for eight years, having served most of his time in Alaska. He loved cats, fishing, hunting, bowling and collecting old western movies and war movies. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Mary Elizabeth Smith; two brothers, John Taylor Smith and Billy Ray Smith; one nephew, Robert Smith; and two nieces, Tammy Jo Mudd and Theresa McKean. He is survived by his wife, Linda Smith of Springfield; siblings, Peggy Sue (husband, Robert) Newtson, George A. (wife, Rose) Smith, Bonnie Lee (companion, James Marcy) Henry, and Catherine Louise Jacobs, all of Springfield; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 9, 2011 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Funeral Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home with Brother Stephen Bissler officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: American Cancer Society, 687 E. Linton Ave., Springfield, IL 62703 or Feral Cat Program at Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702.