James Smith

James Edmon Smith, beloved husband, father, DadO, brother, and uncle passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness, at Hospice House in Odessa on Thursday, April 21, 2011.

James was born September 14, 1932 in Carthage, Mississippi to Edmon A. Smith and Lucille O. Smith. He attended and graduated from Carthage High School. James served his country in the Air Force from 1951 to 1955. During his Air Force years, James took college courses, which he continued after his discharge and subsequent move to Odessa.

After discharge from the Air Force, James joined his parents and sisters in Odessa, Texas and began his 37 year career at The General Tire and Rubber Plant on South Grandview.

He met Kathryn Bruce and they married in Odessa in 1957. They enjoyed many happy years together, and were married for 53 years.

James retired from General Tire and Rubber in September of 1994. He was active in his church, Grace Christian Fellowship Church. In particular, James had many interests, including hunting and fishing with his wife Kathie, children and friends. James and Kathie enjoyed traveling and visiting friends they made all over the U.S.

James was preceded in death by his father and mother, Edmon and Lucille Smith.

James was devoted to his family and is survived by his wife, Kathie and their three children, Keith Smith of Jacksonville, Florida, Doug Smith and his wife Judy of Odessa, and Tracey Nyborg and her husband Bill of Odessa sisters, Johnnye Ryan of Odessa and Neva Wood of Rockwall, Texas grandchildren, Jason Smith of Jacksonville, Florida and Jennifer Minyard and her husband Nic of Odessa, Jarid Shatley currently serving in the U. S. Army and Jordan Shatley currently serving in the U.S. Navy and great grandchildren Miley Minyard and Jude Shatley. James will be dearly missed by all who loved him.

Visitation with the family is scheduled for 57 PM Friday, April 22, 2011 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM Saturday, April 23, 2011 at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel, with Clark Rocca, Jon Harrington and Rita Glasscock officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to Hospice House, 903 N. Sam Houston, Odessa, Texas 79762 or to Ector County Greater Works, 1414 E. University, Odessa, Texas 79761.

Visitation

Sunset Memorial Funeral Home
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Friday, April 22, 2011
57 PM

Service

Funeral Service

Sunset Memorial Chapel
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Saturday, April 23, 2011
2:00 PM

Cemetery

Sunset Memorial Gardens
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762

Memorial Contributions

903 N. Sam Houston Ave.
Odessa, TX  79761


1414 E. University
Odessa, TX  79761