James "Jim" Marvin Smith, 74, of Littleton, CO, died September 27th, 2022, in Littleton, CO. Born June 14, 1948, in Holdrege, NE, to Wayne L. & Luella B. (Russell) Smith on Wayne’s birthday.
Jim was the oldest of 6 children. He was raised on his family farm in NW Phillipsburg, Kansas, and was responsible for helping around the farm.
Jim attended the Iowa Union Rural Grade School through 8th grade and graduated from Phillipsburg High School. During high school, Jim was involved in FFA and enjoyed working for neighboring farmers.
He attended vocational school in Denver, CO, for mechanics and worked through school at Montgomery Ward.
On August 3rd, 1967, James was united in marriage to Rosalie M. Trujillo in Denver, Co. To this union, a son, Christopher, was born.
In March of 1968, Jim was drafted into the US Army and spent his time in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in December of 1969. Upon his return, he worked for Coors Brewery and was a volunteer firefighter in Arvada, Co. Jim, and Rosalie later divorced.
Jim returned to his hometown after his divorce from Rosalie and began working at Tamko Roofing. During this time, he met his 2nd wife, Marsha, and her son, Jamie. Jim and Marsha were united in marriage and moved to Plainville, KS. He began his next career in the oil fields for several years. To this union, a son, Joshua, was born.
Eventually, Jim returned to Colorado with his family and continued working in the oil fields and various jobs. Later, he and Marsha divorced.
Jim began working in the healthcare field and found a new passion for providing care for others. During this time, he met Janet.
Jim married Janet in August of 1995, and they resided in Littleton, Co for the next 30 years. He was introduced to raising Shelties and fell in love with the breed. Over the years, he raised many litters of puppies that he was extremely proud of.
Janet was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, which led to their divorce. At this time, he began providing home-based care for one of his neighbors, Brian. Jim was very involved with his neighborhood. He would help anyone in need. He loved to garden, do yard work, maintenance work, or do anything to keep him busy. He loved spending time with his neighbors and would talk about Gil and how they would watch planes come and go from the airport.
He is survived by his son Christopher (Tracey) Worerpel, Thornton, Co; Jamie Smith, Salina, Ks; Sisters; Marlene Peters (Forrest), Phillipsburg, KS; Jeanne Gantz, Beloit, KS; Mary Lasiter (Jim), Blairsburg, IA; Linda Schurz; Phillipsburg, KS; Brother; Russell Smith, Phillipsburg, KS; 7 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, Wayne and Luella Smith, Phillipsburg, KS; son, Joshua Smith, Baldwin, KS.
James will long be remembered as a loving, caring neighbor who shared the love of nature as he spread sunshine to others with his acts of kindness.
Cremation was planned. Memorial services will be Saturday, November 5, 2022 in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Jay Brandon officiating. A private inurnment will be in the Iowa Union Cemetery at a later date.
Friends may sign the book on Friday, November 4, 2022, at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.