James Martin Smith
Born 07-14-1948
Died 02-09-2021
Jim was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota and moved three years later to Stillwater, where, in 1974 he and wife Jeanne purchased the farm adjacent to his parents’ family farm. In 1986, he began working at Super Value warehouse, retiring 30 years later to the farm to raise chickens, grow vegetables, rearing bees, making maple syrup and amass an impressive collection of “precious treasures”. He enjoyed his family, bike riding, coffee, cribbage, eating out, snacks and working at the State Fair.
He was warm, generous, unpretentious, giving, loving, genuine and principled. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, family, friends, farm and tractor, in that order, always and unconditionally. He never pretended to be anything other than what he was- a big bear of a man who gave all- encompassing hugs that made you a part of him. And he wasn’t afraid to admit that he openly wept at emotional or romantic movies. Even commercials could move him.
Jim attended Stillwater public schools, Bemidji State College and the University of Minnesota Saint Paul campus. He served in the Navy and was a member of the Lake Elmo VFW.
On September 2nd 2019 he suffered a serious car accident while driving home on the last day of the State Fair and steadily declined until his unexpected death at home with his wife, Jeanne, by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Irene and his brother, Harold.
Survived by wife of nearly 50 years, Jeanne; three spectacular sons: Micah (Julie), Noah (Nicole Murray), Jonah; four above average and adorable grandchildren: Lily and Zeke from Micah, Wyatt and Emmett from Jonah.
Jim was a man who made people better just by having known him. He was loved beyond measure.
There will be a celebration of life for Jim in the late spring or early summer when weather and COVID restrictions allow. Future updates will be posted with the Simonet Funeral Home. Well wishes and condolences can be viewed and posted on the funeral home’s website. Memorials to the family preferred.
Born 07-14-1948
Died 02-09-2021
Jim was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota and moved three years later to Stillwater, where, in 1974 he and wife Jeanne purchased the farm adjacent to his parents’ family farm. In 1986, he began working at Super Value warehouse, retiring 30 years later to the farm to raise chickens, grow vegetables, rearing bees, making maple syrup and amass an impressive collection of “precious treasures”. He enjoyed his family, bike riding, coffee, cribbage, eating out, snacks and working at the State Fair.
He was warm, generous, unpretentious, giving, loving, genuine and principled. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, family, friends, farm and tractor, in that order, always and unconditionally. He never pretended to be anything other than what he was- a big bear of a man who gave all- encompassing hugs that made you a part of him. And he wasn’t afraid to admit that he openly wept at emotional or romantic movies. Even commercials could move him.
Jim attended Stillwater public schools, Bemidji State College and the University of Minnesota Saint Paul campus. He served in the Navy and was a member of the Lake Elmo VFW.
On September 2nd 2019 he suffered a serious car accident while driving home on the last day of the State Fair and steadily declined until his unexpected death at home with his wife, Jeanne, by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Irene and his brother, Harold.
Survived by wife of nearly 50 years, Jeanne; three spectacular sons: Micah (Julie), Noah (Nicole Murray), Jonah; four above average and adorable grandchildren: Lily and Zeke from Micah, Wyatt and Emmett from Jonah.
Jim was a man who made people better just by having known him. He was loved beyond measure.
There will be a celebration of life for Jim in the late spring or early summer when weather and COVID restrictions allow. Future updates will be posted with the Simonet Funeral Home. Well wishes and condolences can be viewed and posted on the funeral home’s website. Memorials to the family preferred.
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