James L. Smith, Sr.

James L. “Jim” Smith, Sr. age 82, of 2421 Oak St. Quincy died on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 in
Blessing Hospital. He was born January 23, 1926 in Marblehead, IL a son of August and Mary Jane (Wilson) Smith. He married Edna Mae Emerick on October 18, 1947 in Quincy’s St. John’s Parsonage and she survives.

Jim was a Distribution Foreman who retired March 4, 1983 from the City of Quincy Water Department after 35 years of service. He was a Navy Veteran of World War II serving in the Pacific. He received the medals for the American Campaign, Asiatic Pacific Campaign with four Bronze Stars, a World War II Victory Medal, Asia Occupation Service Medal and Philippine Liberation Medal with two Bronze Stars.

Jim enjoyed time with his family, woodworking and fishing.

Survivors also include three children James Smith, Jr. and his wife Jeanne of Quincy;
Kathleen Abell and her husband Daniel of Durham and Karrie Brassfield and her husband Glen of Quincy.
Grandchildren: Kia Hamann of Quincy; Kourtney Abell of Durham, MO; Brandon and Dustin Brassfield of Quincy; a great-grandson, Adler Hamann;
Sisters, Minnie McElfresh and husband Bill of Beardstown, IL; Inez Bailey of Quincy and Shirley Bowen and husband Gary of Canton, MO; many nieces, nephews and in-laws also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, eight brothers and three sisters, Cecilia Cooper, Mae Goodwin, August, Jr.; Earl, Ralph “Peck”, Billy Lee, Norma Jean Miller, Carl “Cork”, Clifford, Delbert and Thomas.

Funeral services will be Saturday, January 24, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at Duker & Haugh Funeral Home with Rev. John Burnette to officiate. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Military honors to be conducted by American Legion Post #37. Visitation will be Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the American Lung Association.