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James W. "Jim" Smith

James Smith Obituary

James W. Smith "Jim" TAYLORSVILLE, UT - James Waldo Smith passed away January 1, 2009 in Murray, Utah of injuries from a traffic accident. Jim was born July 12, 1931 in Bennion, Utah to Farres and Leone George Smith. He learned hard work at an early age helping his father in their nursery business. He served in the US Army during the Korean War. He met his wife, Geraldine Smith, while she was attending nursing school and he worked at Kennecott Copper. They were married May 16, 1957 in the Salt Lake Temple. Jim graduated from barber college and always held a valid barbers license. He was a charter member of the Radio Emergency Action Communication Team (REACT) for 30 years, serving as president and vice president, making life-long friends along the way. He served as a missionary in the Great Lakes Mission and as a member of the LDS Church served in several positions in the Bennion wards. He often volunteered at the Bishop Storehouse Cannery. His love of Cub Scouting and his winning legacy of pinewood derby cars, brought him a great amount of joy. He is well known for serving the community as a school crossing guard for the City of Taylorsville. Great joy was shared by him and the students as he greeted and joked with them each day. He was happiest spending time helping others in need. He is survived by his wife, of 52 years, Geraldine Smith; children: Keith (Susan) Smith, Lacy, WA; Lisa Smith, Taylorsville; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother, Merrill Smith, Kearns. Preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Dean and Carvell; sister, Arlene Peterson. He leaves behind many dear friends and associates whom he thought of dearly. Funeral services will be held, Thursday, January 8, 2009, 12:00 noon at the Bennion 2nd Ward, 6100 South Kamas Drive (2480 W.), Taylorsville, Utah. Friends may call Wednesday, 6-8 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 S. Redwood Rd. and Thursday at the church, 11-11:45 a.m. Interment, Centerville City Cemetery, 700 East 400 South, Centerville, UT.

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Published by Deseret News on Jan. 6, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for James Smith

26 Entries

Sandra Carter

February 1, 2009

Dear Geraldine (Jerrie), Lisa, Keith, and families, We want to let you all know how badly we feel over the death of Jim, the sad timing of it, and how it happened. We were the receivers of Jim's help and friendship many times when we would pull in to the trailer park at East Canyon Resort to enjoy a spot in our trailer. He would see us coming and jump right up and give us a hand or advice for hooking up. With Russ being our son-in-law and a nephew of Jim's we saw a lot of him when we were out camping. We enjoyed visiting with him and Jerrie and the stories that he shared. He was a friend to everyone and so very helpful and concerned. You will miss him very much and we pray that you will receive the strength and comfort you will need. May God bless and be with you all. Take care of each other and especially your Mother. She is a dear person. We send our best wishes and love and will always remember the fun times we had with Jim and Jerrie. Love to all, Don and Sandra Carter

Della, and Carole Berg and Acker

January 12, 2009

Geri,
I am sorry to hear about your husband. Both of you are great people. We enjoyed working with you at Alta View.
Our love and sympathy is with you.

Della Berg and Carole Acker

Christine Cropper

January 9, 2009

Geri, Keith and Lisa,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Jim. You are such great people. Curtis and I enjoyed knowing you when we lived in the Bennion 2nd ward. Also, Geri was one of the nurses who took care of Janae about 25 years ago when she was in the hospital. May you experience peace and comfort in the days ahead. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Boyce & LeAnne Sanderson

January 9, 2009

Dear Smith Family:
We had the great opportunity to see Jim everyday as we walked our kids to school. We are so sorry for you loss and the loss that our whole neighborhood has experience by losing Jim. He was a great guy and was always looking out for ALL of our children and for that we are truly grateful. We sincerely hope that your family can get comfort from all the love that each of us had for Jim.

Bennion Jr. High Student Body Officers

January 8, 2009

As Officers of Bennion Jr. High, we feel that we speak for the whole school when we say that we have all lost a great friend. We would like to express our thanks to Jim for all that he has done for us. He was a great guy and we will all miss him.

Darla Whitlatch

January 8, 2009

Dear Smith family,
I am so sorry for your loss! I did not know James personally, but I sure did enjoy seeing him every morning on my way to work over by Bennion Jr High. We would always wave to each other and he would sometimes stop the traffic so I could get out on to 2700 west. It has just not been the same since he is no longer there. My daughter sometimes crossed there. She said, “He was always so nice”. Saying, “ok kids, have a nice day” after they were safely across the street.
May God bless you all in this time of sadness!

Beckie Parry

January 7, 2009

Dear Friends,
We are so sorry for your loss! We understand how hard it is to lose someone close to you. I lost my Dad in February 2008. May God bless you all and may you be comforted.
Dorothy Parry
Beckie Parry

Steve Parry's Mother and Sister

Trish Olson

January 7, 2009

I'm so sorry to here of this tragedy! My heart goes out to your family. My son was a safety patrol student with Jim and was very sad to hear of this accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family!

Traci Gibson

January 7, 2009

I am so sorry to hear about your loss, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. MY kids have known Jim As their Crossing gaurd from Calvin Smith to Bennion Jr high, he was a caring man and the kids really enjoyed him. God bless you and your family he will be missed by many ...

January 7, 2009

I am deeply sadden to hear about the loss of Jim. I knew Jim well and always spoke to Jim whenever we had meetings or just happen to cross paths. He was always happy, kind and wonderful to speak to. There where countless of times that Jim and I stood outside the PD/City Hall and just talked for hours, sometimes about work, ideas on how to improve safety at our crosswalks and sometimes war stories. Jim really did love kids and loved what he did for Taylorsville. His teasing of my children was a prime example on how much he truly enjoyed children. He will be greatly missed.

God Bless you Jim, Jims family and fellow crossing guards.

Stay safe

Jackie Stoddard, Fellow Taylorsville Crossing Guard

Allyson Riggs

January 7, 2009

It is sad to see such a tragedy happen to a good man. Jim was always friendly and willing to help with anything. I had the opportunity to work with him as a crossing guard. My prayers go out to the family.

Sara Peterson

January 7, 2009

I am heartbroken to hear that Mr. Smith passed away. I read the news story and was touched. I didn't know Jim, but my grandfather, Oliver High, was a crossing guard on 1300 East and 2700 South for many, many years, and I know how much he meant to so many people who knew him for his simple service in this way. Mr. Smith clearly served in the same way with a lot of love and care for many children and their families. What a remarkable life and legacy! What a tribute his life was and always will be to his family--there are few greater treasures than that.

Robbin Dietz/ Middleton Urology

January 7, 2009

May our Heavenly Father embrace your family and know that our prayers are with you also. It was a pleasure seeing Jim at the crosswalk every day smiling and waiving. He will be greatly missed!!

Linda Wolt

January 7, 2009

Geri and Family, I was so sorry to hear about the death of your husband Jim. Please know that my prayers are with you. I remember meeting him several times at mutual functions you and I attended. My husband also remembers him. Please accept our deepest sympathy.

Mary Rhodes Principal

January 7, 2009

The Bennion Junior High students and staff convey heartfelt sympathy to the family at the loss of our friend. Jim's noble service and cheerful personality will be in our lives and memory forever.

Kyle Smith

January 7, 2009

Jim will be greatly missed by those around him

Lori Aikin

January 7, 2009

Thank you for your selfless service to our community. The Bennion Jr High School students found him to be a great friend.
I am a member of the Bennion Jr. High PTSA and appreciate all he did for our school.
This is a tragic loss to the school and the community.

Danette (Payne) Schrock

January 7, 2009

My family has known Jim and his family for years as they were some of the first families living there on 6200 South. I would like to express my sympathy to the family for their loss. Jim will always be very dear to me for helping my kids cross the street while they attended Calvin Smith and more recently Bennion Jr High. My son commented that it just isn't the same without him there and I know many of the students at Bennion feel the same way. The kids will miss Jim greatly because not only have they lost a guardian of sorts but a friend as well.

LuAnn March

January 6, 2009

Cousin Geri, Lisa, and Keith,
I am so sorry to hear about Jim's passing while serving the community so well. His humor and fun spirit are his legacy. Our prayers are with your family at this time.

Lisa Carbine

January 6, 2009

I am so sorry for your loss. While I never actually spoke with Jim, my daughter goes to Bennion Jr. High and I would wave hello everytime I passed him at the crosswalk. It won't be the same without him. He was the protector of our children and he will missed.

SSG DAN PALFREYMAN

January 6, 2009

God's Speed, thank you for your sevice to this great country.

Kathy M

January 6, 2009

I was so sad to hear about your loss. My son is a student of Bennion Jr High and was upset hear of Mr. Smith's death. He was always so kind and helpful. He will be missed.

Janice Auger

January 6, 2009

I first met Jim when I was Mayor of Taylorsville -- before he was a crossing guard. Even then, he was greatly interested in the safety of the community and worked to make it a better place. It has been my pleasure to know him and to appreciate his efforts on behalf of the community and especially the children. My own granddaughter was one of the many young people who enjoyed his personality each day as she went back and forth to school at Bennion Jr. High. He touched their lives and made them better. I pray that a spirit of peace and comfort will be with all of you, as family members and loved ones.

Sherrie Jardine

January 6, 2009

Lisa,
I have always known your father being a very good man. Your folks have been so nice to me and my daughter Debbie.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. He is truely a gift to God. My God bless and comfort you.

Jennifer Winch

January 6, 2009

I'm saddened to hear of your loss and ours of a wonderful crossing guard. Jim was currently helping the children at both the middle school and the elementary school both of which my children attend, both within walking distance of the schools, he helped them cross both in the morning and in the afternoon and always was very friendly and the kids safety was his upmost concern. I had an opportunity to visit with him while waiting to cross the street, he really was a genuine guy. Both of my children were saddened to hear of his injury and even more so to hear of his dealth. Thank you for serving our community and our children. You will be missed.

Rose Haslam

January 6, 2009

Geri, Keith and Lisa. I'm so sorry for your loss. Jim always made me smile and I have many wonderful memories with your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.

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