James Roland Smith was born in Kansas City, MO on December 29, 1935.  His parents were Theodore T. Smith and Lucille Jane (Havens) Smith.  He had one brother, Robert T. Smith (Diane) of New Hampshire. 

Jim grew up as an active young man riding his bike and the city street car all over Kansas City, until his older brother gave him his first car, a 1939 Chevy Coupe.  He was happy that he missed having to take a driver’s test by 3 days since that started 1/1/52. 

He met Judith Ann (Braun) Smith at youth group at church and married her on July 14, 1955.  They were married almost 65 years when Judy passed. They truly loved each other and were an example to many of how to live and love.  In going through their home, there were stacks of sweet cards written to each other expressing their love and stacks of notes from so many others thanking them for things they had done and for their generosity.

Following graduating from Paseo High he went to Kansas City Junior College and then the University of Kansas, where he was a member of the KHK fraternity.  While in college he worked at the Kansas City Star in the print room to support his wife, Judy, and new daughter, Cynthia Lynn. 

Upon moving back from Lawrence, he took a position at the Bendix Corporation and stayed there until he retired in the early 90’s.  While at Bendix/Allied Signal/Honeywell he was part of the Management Club, serving as President for a term.  He worked in the inspection department, supervising many people.  No matter where the family went, there was always someone he knew, “from the plant”. 

Jim and Judy had three children, Cindy, Drew and Stacy.  Jim was very active with the family, never missing the kid’s activities or games.  He’d plan fun outings in the city to things like the zoo, rodeo and circus, etc. He loved vacations with family, even if just to the lake. He also loved having his family and friends together at Horn Creek in Colorado for family Bible Camp.

He participated in Indian Guides and Indian Princesses and served on the board of the YMCA.  He was a strong proponent of Christian education and served on the boards of  Blue Ridge Christian School and Kansas City Christian School.  He believed in servant leadership and worked for years in Christian Service Brigade, leading young men.  He was also on the board of Blue Ridge Bible Church. He actively lived out the fruits of the spirit in his daily life, spreading God’s love to his family, friends, and community.  Jim and Judy’s home was always open for missionaries or groups visiting the church that needed lodging or a meal.

He was blessed to retire early so was able to spend a lot of time helping with the post-fire re-construction at BRBC/BRCS.  He became very involved with the school and loved helping there.  He was the recipient of the Timothy Award from BRCS for all his volunteer work. Retiring early also gave him more time to travel with Judy and the extended family.  He provided the opportunity for all the kids and grandkids to vacation together regularly and loved every minute they were all together.

His wife Judy passed on 3/1/2020, which left a huge void in his life.  He was still involved in the activities and Bible studies in his senior community, but it was not the same.  He was admitted to the hospital on August 13 and that started a downward spiral.  Jim was an amazingly cheerful patient, and favorite of the staff, while enduring pain and medical procedures. Every care giver knew of his love for his "3 children, 10 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and 4 that are cookin’".  On Wednesday, September 6, 2023 he was reunited with his dear wife, Judy, and was in the presence of his Savior and Lord. 

He was proceeded in death by his parents and his wife, Judy.  He is survived by his brother, Robert (Diane), his children Cindy Andrus (David) Drew Smith (Lisa), Stacy Nelson (Willy), brothers in law Bill Braun (Patrice), Bob Braun (Diana), nieces and nephews and 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 3 cookin’.  Noah James Clifford Davidson was born on the day Jim passed in to glory.