James L. Smith, Sr.

James LeRoy Smith, Sr., 89, of Britt passed away Monday, August 24, 2015, at Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt, Iowa.

Funeral services for James L. Smith, Sr. will be held on Friday, August 28, 2015 at 10:30 AM at the Britt Christian Reformed Church - At The Crossroads Ministries, 569 Main Avenue North in Britt, with Pastor Joel DeBoer officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Britt.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2015 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM at Ewing Funeral Chapel, 178 Center Street West in Britt, and continue one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

Jim was born September 11, 1925, to LeRoy and Martha (Moe) Smith on a farm west of Britt. In his early years, he attended country schools and graduated from Britt High School in 1943. He farmed with his family until he was called to serve in the Navy during World War II.

He was united in marriage with Doris Corman in Decatur, Illinois, on February 2, 1947. The couple settled on a farm south of Britt, where they raised their four children. Upon retirement in 1990, they moved into their home in Britt.

Jim was an active member of the United Methodist Church where he and his brothers proudly served together as ushers. Jim was a member of the VFW and the American Legion. He had the privilege of being part of an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. He served on the Hancock/Winnebago County Beef Producers Board and also was a dealer for Funks G seeds.

Jim was a lifelong farmer whose work was both his life and his hobby. He had a love for Black Angus cattle and John Deere machinery. He also had an affinity for fine automobiles and cruising car lots was a favorite pastime.

Jim is survived by his wife, Doris of Britt, three daughters, Debra (Pat) Trulson of Britt, Cynthia (Ron) Ziegler of Swisher and Kristi (Mike) Hejlik of Britt and daughter-in-law, Janet Smith of Kanawha, 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren along with two brothers, Harry (Pearl) Smith and Kenneth (Nancy) Smith both of Britt along with many nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his son, James L. Smith, Jr. and a brother, Gerald and his wife, Jennie Smith.

Memorials can be made to Opportunity Village or the Crossroads Ministries Christian Reformed Church in Britt.