Jim Smith

JIM SMITH JUNE 12, 1931 - DECEMBER 27, 2012 Jim Smith of Waco, Texas, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on December 27, 2012. He was born in Altheimer, AR to Roy and Savannah Smith. He later moved to Stuttgart, AR. He joined the Air Force in 1949 (before integration). After integration, he became an aircraft mechanic, and later, a flight engineer. During his Air Force career, Jim served at military bases both at home and abroad. He retired in 1969 after 20 years of service. Jim met and later married his life partner, ElJoan Cooper. After retiring from the Air Force, Jim went to work for the U.S. Postal Service in Riverside and Loma Linda, CA. He retired from the Postal Service in 1989 with 20 years of service. Jim and ElJoan, started an adventure traveling America in their motor home in 1978 which lasted 27 years. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, camping & woodwork. He is survived by his wife ElJoan; his children: John (Sonia) Smith, Jim Jr. (Carol) Smith, Deborah Davis, and Joanna (Vandy) Alexander; 10 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; & a host of other relatives. Memorial services will be 11am Thursday, January 10, 2013, at Allen Chapel AME Church, 4009 Locust Street in Riverside. Rev. Noella Buchanan will officiate with Rev. Shermella Garrett speaking. Full military honors by the U.S. Air force will be observed at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Allen Chapel AME Church.