James W. Smith

James William Smith, Jr., of Lockhart, passed away at home on July 13, 2010. Jim was born Aug. 11, 1922, in Plaska, Texas. He grew up in Plainview, Texas, where his Dad owned and operated a grocery store which Jim worked in during his high school years. He played cornet in the Plainview High School Band. After Graduation he attended Schreiner Military Institute in Kerrville,

Texas, and then enlisted in the Army on Jan. 30, 1942, at Goodfellow in San Angelo. Jim was honorably discharged on Nov. 30, 1945, form Scott Field, Ill. In 1944, he married and raised three sons with his first wife, who later passed away. Jim married Linda in 1973 and they enjoyed 37 wonderful years together.

Jim was a banker in Cuero, Paris, Amarillo, Kerrville and finally Lipan (all in Texas). Together they enjoyed his three sons and their families and her two sons and their families. Jim retired from banking on two occasions, and played lots of golf with his buddies, but just couldn’t seem to leave the profession. He finally retired from First National Bank, Lipan, Texas, in 1996. He and Linda moved to Lockhart in 1998. That was a good move because his retirement enabled him to drive his mother-in-law, Betty Key, to her dialysis treatment three times a week in San Marcos until March of 2002.

Jim and Linda enjoyed the many family gatherings at Christmas and in the summers at the beach in Port Aransas or at South Padre. He loved music and especially gospel and country. Everyone knew of his strong faith in his Lord, Jesus Christ.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James and Sallie Smith; his first wife; one son, Richard Smith; four sisters; and two brothers.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; his sons, James “Jim” Smith, III and wife, Diane, of Coppell, Texas, and Robert “Bob” Smith and wife, Pat, of Marshall, Texas; his daughter-in-law, Liesa Smith; and step-sons, Shawn Reeves and wife, Michelle, of Paris, Texas, and Shannon Reeves and wife, Susan, of San Marcos, Texas.

Jim is also survived by 14 grandchildren whom he treasured and enjoyed. He also enjoyed his many nieces and nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Later in life, family members often heard Jim say “If I were doing any better, I couldn’t stand it.” He’s doing better now.

Visitation was held on Friday July 16, 2010, fro 6 – 8 p.m. at Eeds Funeral Home in Lockhart, Texas. Services were Saturday, July 17, 2010, at 10 a.m. at the First Lockhart Baptist Church, with Gary Rodgers officiating. Serving as pallbearers were: Tommy Finfrock, Jim Krumm, Jim Beck, Robert Mace, Ron Swiger, Wayne Flores, Tony Andria and Benny Hilburn. Graveside services were held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas, on Monday, July 19, 2010, at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to First Lockhart Baptist Church, 315 W. Prairie Lea, Lockhart, Texas 78644, Campus Crusade for Christ, or your charity of choice.

All arrangements with Eeds Funeral Home, 408 S. Main St., Lockhart, Texas. (512)398-2343. Please sign our guestbook at www.eedsfuneralhome.com.