James “Jim” E. Smith, 90, on Bluffton, passed away on
Sunday morning, December 25, 2022, at Ossian Health Care in Ossian.
He was born on September 28, 1932, in Swayzee, Ind. to Paul L. & Minnie (Montgomery) Smith.
Jim served our country in the United State Army as a heavy equipment engineer. After his honorable discharge, he worked as a truck driver, operated Smith’s Shell & Service Station in Petroleum, and drove school bus for many years for Petroleum and Southern Wells Community Schools. He retired working for Reaser Tool & Die Shop. He attended Petroleum United Methodist Church, loved camping and most of all spending time with his family.
Jim and Janet L. (Reaser) Smith were married on April 7, 1956, in Petroleum, Ind. They shared 64 years of marriage together before she preceded him in death on February 23, 2020.
Survivors include three sons; Randy (Lisa) Smith of Bluffton, Larry (Sarah) Smith of Bluffton, and Chris (Missy) Smith of Liberty Center; daughter, Heidi (Doug) Fear of Uniondale; along with 17 grandchildren and 21 greatgrandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, David (Treena) Smith of Daleville; sister, Hazel Spaulding of Montpelier; and sister-in-law, Arlene Smith of Amboy, Ind.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, wife Janet and siblings; Chuck Smith, Edna Strahm, Bob Smith and Tom Smith.
Services for Jim will be at 10: 30 a.m. on Thursday, December 29, 2022, at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton with Pastor Steve Bard officiating.
Burial will follow in Stahl Cemetery in Wells County, with military honors by the United States Army Honor Guard and American Legion Post 111 of Bluffton.
Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 and for one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made in Jim’s memory to the Petroleum United Methodist Church.
Funeral arrangement have been entrusted to the care of the Thoma/ Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Friends can send online condolences to the family at www.thomarich.com.