James Smith

James Walker Smith, age 84, passed away in Springfield Missouri on Thursday, March 14th, 2019.
James was born the only child of David and Clio (Griffits) Smith on December 6,1934 in Burlingame, Kansas.

He played football and was active in 4-H. He graduated from nearby Harveyville High School but had to forego college to work the family farm when his father was killed in an accident.

James married R. Dee McFarland August 29,1958. They moved to Springfield in1960. Jim worked heavy construction first as a laborer, then a carpenter, and finally as Job Superintendent, where he was named Superintendent of the Year in 1983. He retired from Carson-Mitchell Inc. He worked very hard his entire life.

Jim was an ordained Elder and Deacon in the Presbyterian Church, Sunday School teacher at Hillcrest Presbyterian Church, and a Mason. Though he gave up farming, he always kept some cattle, and enjoyed gardening.

He is survived by wife, Dee, daughter Cheyenne Tranbarger (Joe), son James David Smith, granddaughter Krista Cooper Westfall and beloved great-grandson Cooper Cummins and great-granddaughter Micayla Sanderson. The grands were the light of his life. He leaves a legacy of hard work and integrity.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00pm, Sunday March 24, 2019 at Hillcrest Presbyterian Church, 818 E. Norton Road, Springfield, Missouri with Reverend Jack Carmack officiating. Visitation will be held following the services at the church.

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