James C. Smith

James C. Smith, 90, crossed over to eternal life on the morning of January 6, 2015. He was surrounded by his family, in a room full of love. James was born July 4, 1925 in Meridian, Mississippi to Jim and Inez Smith. He grew up in Marked Tree, Arkansas, working on various farms driving tractors which came to be a hobby of his with a collection of John Deere tractors and anything associated. At the age of 20, he married the love of his life, Peggy Willhelm (Smith). In 1948, James moved to Michigan where he worked at GM Motors until 1960 when he and his growing family moved to Taft, California. James found a career working for J.G. Boswell driving a service truck, and was blessed to have retired from the company. In his lifetime, James loved, and was loved by, his five children and their spouses who include Sue and her husband, Mike Fleckenstein, James Smith, Terry Smith (deceased), Edward and his wife, Carol Smith and Nanette Smith (Powell). He was blessed with 15 grandchildren, Anna, John, Katie, Sara, Susan, Brian, Randy, Ryan, Jeff, Gary, Cherie, Bethany, Chrissy, Missy and Heather. He was also blessed with 18 great-grandchildren. James was known for his soft heart and generous ways. He enjoyed spending time with his family and working on vehicles. He had a knack for making things work and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was gentle and had a kind way about him that could lift anybody's spirits with his wise words. On any given day you could catch him sitting in his garage listening to old country, tinkering with anything he could get his hands on and enjoying the weather. James was always dressed to impress with not only his nice caps or pressed pants but with the warmth he carried in his heart for his loved ones. He was a simple man who lived a sweet and simple life. He will forever be remembered, loved and missed by anyone who was ever blessed to have met him. A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 15, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. in the Erickson & Brown Funeral Home Chapel.

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