Memorial services for Jim Smith will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Jamesport Baptist with visitation beginning at 9:30. Inurnment will be at the Pilot Grove #1 Cemetery near Jamesport at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jamesport Baptist Church or Pilot Grove #1 Cemetery in care of McWilliams Funeral Home in Jamesport.
This website brought to you in part by the following sponsor:
Find out how to advertise here - Email us! [email protected]
James (Jim) Richard Smith died Feb. 16, 2015, at Merriam, Kan.
Jim was born on Aug. 11, 1952, in Jamesport, youngest son of Nevin and Marcella Laffoon Smith.
Jim graduated from Tri County High School in 1970. After a couple of years attending Missouri Western, he was drafted into the army. He rose in rank to Staff Sergeant, serving with the Big Red One out of Fort Riley, Kan. While in the Army, he was assigned top secret clearance, working in the nuclear weapons section for the Vietnam War, going all over the world in top secret locations. One award that he was very proud of was when he was recognized by the Missouri Senate for having the most successful nuclear weapons inspection in the history of the Army.
While stationed at Fort Riley, he met and married Jerry Hopkins on May 9, 1978.
After moving to Jamesport, they opened JJ’s Restaurant, where they served the area residents and tourists for 16 years. She preceded him in death.
He married Lanita Sconce on Dec. 14, 2004, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Jim started the Step Back in Time tours.
He joined the Pilot Grove #1 Baptist Church. He taught Sunday school, Vacation Bible School. He recommitted his life to Christ in 2005 and was a member of Jamesport Baptist Church.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Jerry.
Survived include his wife, Lanita, of the home; three sons, Steve Hopkins of Pittsburg, Kan., Jimmy Smith and wife, Sarah, of New Baden, Ill., and Michael Miller of Overland Park, Kan.; two daughters, Heather Rivera and husband, Shem, of Pittsburg, Kan., and Scarlett Tomasi and husband, Joe, of Pittsburg, Kan.; one brother, Jerry Smith of Jefferson City; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.