James R. "Smitty" Smith

1967 - 2022

James R. "Smitty" Smith
Born: February 6, 1967 in Eldorado, IL
Died: December 9, 2022 in Pocahontas, AK
James R. "Smitty" Smith, 55, of Morris, IL passed away suddenly December 9, 2022, in Pocahontas, Arkansas.
Smitty was born in Eldorado, IL on February 6, 1967, to his parents James and Vera (Gunter) Smith. Smitty grew up in McLeansboro, IL and eventually moved to Coal City, IL where he graduated from Coal City High School. After high school, Smitty enlisted in the U.S. Airforce.
When Smitty returned home from the air force he married the love of his life Kim (Buttry) Smith on September 3, 1988. The two had settled in Morris, IL and together they shared one beautiful baby girl, Brittney. Smitty was an amazing father, and that girl was his whole world. They shared a bond throughout his life that was unbreakable.
The family settled in Morris, IL. From 1996 until 2015, Smitty worked for the Local 33 Painters Union out of Joliet, IL. In 2015, he went into business for himself and started Shabbona Valley Property Maintenance. Smitty was very passionate about sharing his knowledge of tradition, education, adventure, conservation, and habitat through his organization TEACH, which he served as president of. He lived his dream of guiding waterfowl with Fallin' Feathers Duck Club I'm Pocahontas, AK. He took great pride in sharing his passion of the outdoors with anyone. Diapers to diapers he'd always say, and it genuinely showed in his work.
Smitty was also very active with the Morris Corn Festival and served on the committee for over 30 years. In 2017, he was awarded "Everyday Hero" and was inducted into the Illinois Conservation Hall of Fame in 2020. That's exactly what Smitty was, an everyday hero, who will be dearly missed by so many.
Smitty had written a short biography on himself for the Fallin Feathers website, and it sums him up perfectly "My name is Jim Smith but prefer the nickname "Smitty". I am 55 years old, a proud husband, father and grandfather. I live in northern Illinois where I enjoy hunting the Mississippi Flyway for Canada Geese and ducks in dry corn fields. I have been a waterfowl hunter since the age of 12. Growing up in Southern Illinois I had the great opportunity to learn how to waterfowl hunt with my father in the glory years of Rend Lake. I was taught conservation and the responsibility of the hunter at a very early age which continues with my hunting morals today. I am currently the President and Quad Founder of a not-for-profit public charity youth organization called T.E.A.C.H. Outdoors. I am an IDNR Master Hunter Safety Course Instructor, NRA Range Safety Instructor as well as an IDNR Wing Shooting Instructor. I am also proud to be Pro Staff for Buck Gardner Game Calls."
Survived by his wife Kim Smith; Daughter, Brittney (Joe) Erickson; Granddaughter, Louella Joy Erickson; Father-in-law, Jewel Buttry; Sister-in-law, Pam (Jeff) Simpson; Niece, Caitlyn Simpson, and nephew, Logan Simpson; and many family members and friends.
Preceded in death by his parents, James and Vera Smith, and his grandmother, Eva Dee Duncan.
Visitation for Smitty will take place Wednesday, December 14th, 2022, from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM at UC Davis Callahan Funeral Home. A celebration of life service will begin immediately following at 7:00 PM. Aqua cremation rites have been accorded. The family would like guests to "come as you are" in terms of attire, camouflage is encouraged.
Due to Smitty's unexpected passing, the family would appreciate financial assistance in lieu of flowers.