James "Hip/Jim Bob" Smith

James "Hip/Jim Bob" Smith, 77, of Wasola, Missouri, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2025.

Born April 10, 1948, in Kansas City, Missouri, Jim was the son of the late Cletus and Marian (Moore) Smith. He grew up in Independence, Missouri, and graduated from William Chrisman High School. Jim proudly served his country in the United States Navy as an aircraft mechanic (621) during the Vietnam War.

After his service, Jim worked in construction, where he helped lay the concrete at the Royals / Chiefs stadiums before joining Owens Corning, where he worked for 30 years until his retirement in 2003. In 2005, Jim and his wife Linda moved to Wasola, Missouri, where he served as a volunteer firefighter with the Wasola Fire Department well into his early seventies.

Jim married the love of his life, Linda, on May 24, 1973. They shared 46 years together until her passing in 2019. Together they raised five children: Jody Davis, Jim (Courtney) Smith, Lisa (Mark) Wiley, Ron (Stacy) Smith, and Dawn (Jason) Eagleson. Jim was a proud grandfather to 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Karen Jacobs, and was preceded in death by his beloved wife Linda, his parents Cletus and Marian Smith, and his brothers, Larry and Ronnie Smith.

Jim's hobbies and passions reflected his love for the outdoors and sports. A lifelong Yankees fan whose childhood hero was Mickey Mantle, he played baseball in his youth and softball in his adult years. He enjoyed deer hunting, crappie fishing, working in the yard, and gardening. He was also a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Jim and Linda loved their Friday nights filled with live music, dinner, and time spent with friends and neighbors. He was an active member of Oak Grove Baptist Church of Wasola, where he enjoyed fellowship and serving his community. Above all, Jim cherished time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jim's life was one of service, hard work, and devotion to those he loved. He will be remembered for his steady presence, warm heart, and the many lives he touched.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Royer's New Salem Funeral Home in Independence, MO. A private family viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by visitation from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Funeral services will begin immediately after visitation. Burial will follow at New Salem Cemetery, Independence, MO. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Wasola Fire Department, 25502 State Hwy 5, Wasola, MO 65773.