James H. Smith

James H. "Jim" Smith, 95, of Taylorville, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born on February 24, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, the only child of Harold F. and Helen D. Smith (née Gambrel). At the age of four, his family moved to Lincoln, Illinois, where he grew up and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1948.

Music was the constant thread of Jim's life. He studied music at Western Kentucky University before serving in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1954. While stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, he was Assistant Director of the U.S. Air Force Band and Director of the U.S. Air Force Choir. He also sang in a small choir and played trumpet in a brass quartet that performed locally on weekends. Among his fondest memories from those years was sitting in with Andy Griffith's band.

In 1954, during a period of declining health for his father, Jim returned home to Lincoln to support his mother. While visiting his father in the hospital, he met a young receptionist named Jeaneen. Captivated by her warmth and spirit, Jim would often sneak in after-hours just to see her. Their connection quickly deepened into a lifelong love. The two married in 1956, and a year later welcomed their daughter, Gina.

Jim went on to earn both bachelor's and master's degrees in music education from Illinois Wesleyan University. After graduation, his teaching career began in Oregon, Illinois, before the family settled in Taylorville in 1960. For the next 31 years, Jim served as Director of Music for Taylorville Public Schools and Band Director at Taylorville High School, where he inspired generations of students with his boundless passion for music.

In 1962, Jim extended his vision beyond the classroom by founding the American Youth Band and Chorus (AYB/AYC), a not-for-profit that brought together students from across the country to share their music abroad. Each summer, the group toured Europe and the UK, performing more than 20 concerts in 10 countries. Highlights included performances at the Grand-Place in Brussels, the gardens of the Louvre in Paris, and in Monaco for Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace Kelly. The tours, which continued through 1976, gave thousands of young musicians unforgettable opportunities and created lifelong memories.

After retiring from Taylorville Schools in 1991, Jim joined Millikin University as a recruiter for the Fine Arts Department, professor of music, and director of the Singing Blue Show Choir. In 2008, he returned to his hometown stage as director of the Taylorville Municipal Band, leading with enthusiasm and joy until his final concert in 2019. In 2011, he also co-founded Play the Music Forward, a fund established to enhance music programs district-wide at Taylorville Public Schools.

Jim's devotion to music and teaching was recognized throughout his life. He was named Outstanding Young Citizen by the Taylorville Jaycees in 1966, "Man of the Year" by the Optimist Club in 1986, and honored with the "Service to Mankind" award from the Sertoma Club in 1992. Twice, his colleagues at Taylorville Public Schools voted him Teacher of the Year. He also served as president of the Illinois Music Education Association (IMEA) and chaired the All-State Music Festival.

In his later years, if Jim was not on the golf course, he was at home listening to music while solving crosswords (always in ink).

Jim is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife of 44 years, Jeaneen. He is survived by his daughter, Gina (Allan) Bennett of Springfield, and his grandson, Jacob Bennett of St. Louis.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the many friends and caregivers who supported and loved Jim over the years: Meg and Bruce Kettlekamp, Larry and Sylvia Kemner, Dr. Rick DelValle, Ron Lindvahl, Marty and Donna Davis, Jack and Penny Brown, Rev. James Jones and the Taylorville Christian Church, Taylorville Estates, Taylorville Care Center, and the compassionate staff of St. John's Hospital Hospice.

A private burial will be held with a public Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date.

Donations in Jim's memory may be made to the Taylorville High School Music Boosters and mailed to Taylorville High School.