James Smith

James (Jim) Ray Smith, of Kennedale, passed away on Friday, May 24, 2019.  He was born on March 21, 1932 in Richardson, Texas to John Samuel Smith and Leta Mae (Hamilton) Smith.  Jim served in the United States Navy serving in the Korean War.  He married the love of his life Mary L. (Bedford) Smith in 1954, and they spent just 2 months shy of 50 years marriage before Mary passed.

Jim was a grocery warehouse supervisor for many years before his years at Tandy Corporation as a supervisor in shipping and receiving.  Jim joined and spent 18 years with the Kennedale Volunteer Fire Department, becoming the volunteer Fire Chief, then becoming the first paid Fire Chief in April 1985.  Jim left the fire service in 1990 to relax and spend time with his wife.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his brother John E. Smith, wife Mary and grandson Gregory Allen Smith.

Those left to cherish his memories are his son, James Ray Smith Jr; daughter, Pamela (Smith) Sims and husband Jim; sister, Joyce Ann Beans; two grandchildren, Amy Smith, James William Sims and wife Elena, eight great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorial contributions can be sent to DAV – Disabled American Veterans P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH  45250-0301, https://secure.dav.org and condolence messages for the family can be sent to 318 Arthur Drive, Kennedale, TX 76060.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Thursday, April 30, 2019 from 6:00-8:00PM at Emerald Hills Funeral Home in Kennedale. Services will be Friday, May 31, 2019 at 2:00PM at Emerald Hills Memorial Park in Kennedale.