Photo No. 2463

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James "Jimmy" Smith of Willis, age 60, passed in his home from a blood clot after a recent surgery. Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Lola Petkovsek Smith; his son Lucas Andrew and wife, Holly Smith; his father, Milton Smith, of Conroe; three grandchildren including Tyler Kelly, Ashlynn Smith, and Brooke Smith. He was the oldest of six children. Siblings include David Smith and wife, Mikki, of Bryan; Robin Smith of Beaumont; Donna Smith Cole and husband, Robert, of Lumberton; Stephen Smith and wife, Tonya, of Conroe; and sister-in-law, Alison Gilmore of Lumberton. He was blessed with many nephews and nieces, whom he loved and cherished. He was preceded in death by his sister, Lori Ann Smith; sons Micah Gregory and Charles Wayne Smith; and his mother, Beverly Finke Smith.

Jimmy was an amazing man. He was a friend and a mentor to all. He showed, by his actions, that he would do almost anything to help anyone. He wanted his life to be better than a sermon by showing the love and hope of Jesus. He did so by loving and honoring his mother and father. He also had a steadfast love for his wife and sons. He was his boys' Little Dribblers coach and Scout Master. He simply loved being involved in their lives. He was involved in helping others through rough times. As a teen, he began working at Boys Haven in Beaumont. He also spent many years volunteering at Bonnie's House, a drug and alcohol recovery house in Conroe. He loved to fish on his boat alone or with his friends and family. Once, he caught a 67 lb. catfish which may have been a Lake Conroe record had it been weighed on official scales.

He was a gift to Milton and Beverly Smith. Our family is proud of his service at GSU/Entergy from 1985 to present. Jimmy was amazing from birth, weighing in at 10.7 pounds and was lifting his head--alert and looking around before leaving the hospital nursery for home. We would like to think he was looking around from the very beginning to see what his mission would be: Greatness: to love God and to love people.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the following: The Light Church (building or children's ministry), The Gideon's, Samaritan's Purse, Bonnie's Place or Voice of the Martyrs.

Memorial Service pending.