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James Smith, Jr. Obituary
James Truitt "Tut" Smith, Jr., 67, of Lafayette, passed away at home on Monday, September 22, 2014. Born January 26, 1947 in Topeka, Kansas, he was the son of James Truitt Smith, Sr. and Lola Mae (Leutert) Smith. He was a 1965 graduate of Valley Falls High School and earned his Bachelor's degree in 1970 from Emporia University in Emporia, KS. He continued his education in insurance earning the following designations: CPC, CLU, CHFC, QPA, CEBS.
Truitt married Jenny Hickman in 2003 in Montego Bay, Jamaica and she survives. He served as Vice President of Pension Sales for American National Insurance Company in Galveston, Texas for 15 years. Prior to that he was the Vice President of Pension Administration for Lafayette Life Insurance Company for 12 years. He loved spending time with family and riding his Harley. He enjoyed watching football and movies, fishing, photography, blues music and reading books. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America.
Surviving with his wife are his four daughters, Amanda Dunkle (husband, Mike) of West Lafayette, Suzanne Smith, Melynda Hagge (husband, Heath) and Jenna Rivera (husband, Richard) all of Phoenix, AZ, two stepsons, Richard Weatherford (wife, Tiffany) and Justin Harmon both of Lafayette; his sister, Sara Miles (husband, Ronald) of Topeka, Kansas; nephews, Stuart Miles, Matthew Swenson (wife, Sherri), and Mitch Swenson (wife, Rene) all of Topeka, Kansas; and three grandchildren, Sophia Weatherford, Bayla James Dunkle, and Ryker Rivera. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Truitt Smith, Sr. and Lola Mae (Leutert) Smith and a nephew, Jay Miles.
Memorial service 2 p.m. Sunday, September 28, 2014 at Valley Falls Cemetery in Valley Falls, Kansas. Hippensteel Funeral Home is entrusted with care. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in memory of Truitt to: Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 4384, Houston, TX 77210-4384, Attn: Glioblastoma Research. Share memories and condolences online at www.hippensteelfuneralservice.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Smith, Jr.
George Campbell
October 18, 2014
Jenny, I am so sorry to hear that Truitt is gone. I know how much you loved him. Put on Asleep at the wheel and raise a glass to him for me and give your mom a hug too.
October 3, 2014
Sara and family,
I just heard about Tutt from Pat Lutz and was so completely sad to hear of his passing. When Brad died, he sent me the sweetest, heartfelt message about their childhood and adult "adventures". It meant a lot to me. He was a very nice man who also made a difference in people's lives. Please take care. Prayers. Love, Kate Hodgdon
Lisa Brittain
September 29, 2014
So sorry to hear about Tut. I really only remember him from when I was young. He is the one that got me so interested in softball. I will always miss the nice man I remember. I know he's in a better place now. Love ya'll.
Tanzey Cutter
September 28, 2014
Sara,
I was so sorry to read about Tut's death. Allen & I send our deepest condolences. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayer.
mike donahue
September 28, 2014
i am sorry to hear of truitt's passing. truitt is the smartest and funniest guy i ever had the good fortune of working with in business in lafayette indiana. he had some hilarious stories such as the time his clutch cable broke on his harley as he passed an aggressive dog guarding a farm house only to find out he was on a dead end road while being one hour away from home. for his family, if you would like to hear the full story, my email address is [email protected].
September 27, 2014
So sorry to hear about Truitt. I enjoyed working with him at Lafayette Life. Sharon Berning
deb milford
September 27, 2014
Such a heart rending loss for you all. I only had the pleasure of meeting him a handful of times, but I was struck by what a nice guy, and loving dad he was. I hope you keep the good memories strong within you, they will help carry you through the grief. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Donna Bridgewater
September 26, 2014
Jenny and Family...
Jay and I are so sorry to hear of Truitt's passing... he was always one of the good guys! Glad you were able to be with him... Love to you and miss you... Jay and Donna Bridgewater
Hippensteel Funeral Home, Inc.
September 26, 2014
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
September 25, 2014
I'm so sorry to hear about Tut's passing.Being an underclassmen of his I knew he was going to be a success in his adult years as he was in his school days.
Prayers of comfort for his family.
Pat Lutz
September 25, 2014
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Tut. He and my husband, Bruce Lutz, were great friends growing up in Valley Falls. I have many fond memories of times spent with Tut. He touched many lives. Keeping you all in my prayers during the difficult days ahead.
Emily Woods
September 24, 2014
Sending love to your whole family. I know how much your dad meant to you... hugs from Tennessee xoxoxo?
Michelle Price Smith
September 24, 2014
I'm so very sorry for the family's loss. Truitt was one of the most generous & sincere people I have ever known. He will be deeply missed.
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