James D. "Jim" Smith Sr.

James D. "Jim" Smith, Sr., 81, passed away peacefully Saturday, July 19, at his home surrounded by his family whom he loved and adored. The love of his life, his wife Irene (Niall) Smith, came down from heaven to greet him and take him "home."

He was born on July 15, 1927, in North Brookfield, a son of George W. and Margaret (McDonald) Smith.

He leaves 8 children, Valorie Bailey and her husband Will of Indianapolis, IN, James D. Smith, Jr. and his wife Sandy of Oxford, June D. Forand and her husband Al of Charlton, Allan E. Smith and his fiancé Vicki Blaine of Connecticut, Penny Rood and her husband Mike of Oxford, Maureen E. "Moe" Forand, who was his caregiver during his illness, and her fiancé Ralph "Gumby" Peterson of North Oxford, Darlene D. Smith and her fiancé Amos Lacroix of Oxford, and Doreen M. DeWitte and her husband Brian of Webster; a brother, Huey Smith of Idaho; 3 sisters, Esther Krasnecky and Chris Tytula, both of Brookfield, and Ann Newman of Louisiana; 14 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren, all of whom will miss him dearly; many nephews and nieces; his best friend, Willy Stevens of Charlton; and his beloved dog Princess. He was preceded in death by his 3 brothers, John, Archie and George Smith.

He was a Navy veteran of World War II. He was a member of the Oxford VFW and the Oxford American Legion Post #58.

Mr. Smith worked for R. H. White Construction Company in Auburn for 32 years, retiring as a foreman in 1989. He made and sold picnic tables and wishing wells. He enjoyed playing horseshoes, growing a summer garden, hunting and fishing, His greatest interest was his family.

A memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, July 26, at 10:00 AM in St. Ann's Church, 654 Main Street, North Oxford. There are no calling hours. Donations may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, 340 School Street, Webster, is directing the arrangements.

www.sitkowski-malboeuf.com