James "Jim" Smith

James “Jim” Smith, 85, of Kansas City, Missouri passed away on February 18, 2023 in Casa Grande, Arizona.

Jim was born June 11, 1937 in Richmond, Missouri to Paul and Orelia Smith. At age 13, Jim met his future wife, Gayle Matthews, while attending church. They were blessed with 66 years of marriage and three children. Jim worked as an electrical engineer for many years, and enjoyed traveling to numerous countries  - Italy being his favorite destination. Never fans of the cold weather, Jim and Gayle spent 21 years wintering in Case Grande, Arizona where they made many friends.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Leon Smith. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Gayle; children, David (Debbie) Smith, Deborah Lovelace, and Deanne Smith; grandchildren, Kevin (Megan) Smith, Sara Lovelace (fiancé, Luke), Brian (Becky) Smith, Kaitlyn (Wes) Bishop, and Johanna Smith (fiancé, Luke); great grandchildren, Abby and Jack; and sister, Jean Castle. A

Celebration of Life will be held at Terrace Park Funeral Home & Cemetery on Saturday, March 4^th, 2023 with visitation beginning at 9:30 am, funeral service at 10:30 am, and burial following. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested contributions be made to Children’s Mercy Hospital (2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64108 , http://bitly.ws/AYZs).