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BORN
1945
DIED
2021
FUNERAL HOME
James SMITH Obituary
76, of College Corner died Sunday, June 20, 2021, at The Knolls of Oxford.
Smitty was born in Lake County, Virginia, to Harvey Monroe and Vival Estep Smith on March 11, 1945. He made his way to California, where he was drafted into The United States Army. Smitty served in the 25th infantry, from which he received The Army Commendation Medal for his meritorious service in the Republic of Vietnam. When he returned home, he was employed in
various fields, including starting his own Landscaping Company. Smitty was a faithful member of the VFW and the American Legion. He was an avid bowler, belonging to multiple
leagues. Smitty enjoyed watching westerns, listening to music and imitating Elvis; his siblings recall he was pretty good at it! Smitty loved spending time with his family and friends, he was always the life of the party. He will be missed deeply, and
remembered as a wonderful brother, uncle and friend.
Smitty is survived by his brothers: Harold D. Smith of Liberty, Philip Smith of Oxford, Joe Smith and Marian of Batesville;
sisters: Mary and Gary Hatton of Oxford, Joyce Smith of
Hamilton, Ohio, Rose Bowling of Tennessee, Doris Merritt of Arkansas; several nieces and nephews; many friends.
In addition to his parents, Smitty is preceded in death by his brother: Boyd "Buddy" Smith; sister: Ruby J. Austin; his aunts and uncles.
A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 29, 2021, at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Fosdick Chapel, Liberty. Pastor Dean VanWinkle will be officiating. Friends may visit the funeral home from 12 p.m. until time of service. Burial will follow at College Corner Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to The Vietnam Veterans of America (8719 Colesville Rd. Suite 100, Silver Spring, MD 20910) in Smitty's honor. For more information, or to send condolences to the family, please visit
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Memories and Condolences
for James SMITH
Sponsored by CLOSED-Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home.
5 Entries
Jason
June 20, 2024
I got to sit and talk with jamesthe last 2 years he was alive. He told me stories about his life, that would almost have us in tears. He talked about vietnam and the woman he loved over there. He still had her picture. He said he should of stayed over there, because as soon as the plane landed in America they called him all kinds of awful names. He told me he couldnt sleep without having a few beers. If he didnt have them he would be right back in vietnam losing his friends again. Im really glad that james opened up and i guess i gave hime some one to talk to also. He was and still is a good man and a true American Hero. I LOVE YOU R.I.P
Jason davis
June 2, 2023
I'm the nephew of James Smith. I didn't care for James rough attitude for many years. I didn't understand at the time why he was so angry. Until I started going over and sitting with him and forcing my help on him because he needed it. Even tho he would never admit it. Lol. He used to tell me his stories from Vietnam and I really enjoyed them. Every time I would go there he would tell me more some times the same ones but that was okay. I'm really glad that I took the time to sit with Jame and really get to know him. God bless you James Smith and I only told you once that I love you. And I do miss you uncle.
Gary Hatton
July 3, 2021
James had many ups and downs in life and not the least of them was a combat tour in Viet Nam ! May God grant him peace and a place in his kingdom.
Janice
June 28, 2021
Danced lots with Jim. Always had fun when he was around. Rest in peace
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Memorial Events
for James SMITH
Jun
29
Visitation
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
CLOSED-Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home312 West Union Street, Liberty, IN 47353
Jun
29
Funeral service
2:00 p.m.
CLOSED-Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home312 West Union Street, Liberty, IN 47353
Funeral services provided by:
CLOSED-Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home312 West Union Street, Liberty, IN 47353
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