Jimmy Devon Smith

1936 - 2023

Jimmy Devon Smith
05/06/1936 - 10/14/2023
Jimmy Devon Smith, 87, of Midland, passed away on Saturday, October 14, 2023.
Jim was born on May 6, 1936, to Nora Bell and Clyde Smith in Greenway, Arkansas. A son of cotton sharecroppers, he became a graduate of Piggott High School, and he went on to proudly serve our country as a member of the Army. During his service he was stationed in Alaska and Utah, and if you asked him every location was too cold. He ended up settling in much warmer Midland, TX after his service. He came to Midland to join his mother and sister who settled in Midland because one of his aunts and uncles accidentally discovered West Texas after a broken axel on their way from Arkansas to settle in California. In Midland, he met and married his wife of 61 years, Frances Jane Cavitt. They raised their family and lived in Midland for the rest of their lives. He was a proud business owner, who along with his partner, Maurice Coldewey, owned Coy's Auto Repair, named for his father-in-law, Coy Cavitt, who first established the business.
We will remember Jim as a kind, determined, and steady presence in our lives. He was selfless, gentle, and caring. This was evident in his quick-to-listen stance, paying attention to the details of his loved one's lives. He was curious and clever, often finding creative ways to fix and find solutions to everyday issues he and others experienced. There has never been a problem he couldn't find a "hack" to solve. He tinkered around the house until his final days, working on his old truck and using zip ties and bungee cords to fix about anything. He was an avid reader and lifelong learner, often quietly sharing the knowledge he gained or new curiosities generated. We will miss his subtle sense of humor, the sparkle in his bright blue eyes, and the constant cup of coffee in his hand.
We are grateful for the legacy that he has left behind. His warm, loving spirit set an example for his family of what it means to be an excellent brother, a patient husband, an engaged and encouraging father, and a wise and fun "Jimpa". He helped create a home we all felt welcomed to and cared about in, that we looked forward to returning to. We are delighted that he will be remembered as a gracious, good man by all who met him. We are most proud that his true hope was in God, helping carry on the legacy of faith in our family. While we will miss our father and grandfather dearly, his belief in Jesus leaves us assured of his eternal life with him.
He is survived by his three children, Phillip (Mary), Teri (Mike) Foulds, and Scott (Janet). He had 7 grandchildren: Reagan, Landry (Jamie), Sutton, Sawyer, Brock, Addison (J.C.), and Sloan. Jim is also survived by his dear, younger sister, Faye Cantrell. He will also be missed by many nieces and nephews. His beloved cat, Bell and backyard "dirt cats" will also miss his attention & care.
He is preceded in death by his parents Nora Bell and Clyde Smith, his beloved wife, Frances Jane Smith, brothers Roy, Alfred, Ezra, and sister Dean Haley.
Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 21, 2023 at Downtown Church of Christ.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory in Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.