James Rodney Smith, a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and loyal uncle and friend, was born on December 16, 1937, in Independence, Kansas, to Glen Dell Smith and Leota Magill-Smith. He spent his early childhood and middle school years in Independence before moving to Port Arthur, Texas, where he attended high school.

Throughout his adult life, Jim made his home in Colorado, Wyoming, and Kansas, building a life rooted in family, hard work, and the outdoors he so dearly loved. On October 17, 1980, he married Carol L. Morrow in Miami, Oklahoma. Their marriage, a testament to deep partnership and love, endured for over four decades, until Carol's passing on January 13, 2025.

Together, Jim and Carol raised two daughters who were the pride of his life: Tara (Jerrome) Castillo of Wichita, Kansas, and Jami (Jeff) Stout of Angola, Indiana. Jim was a devoted grandfather to four grandchildren Madison Castillo, Lacey Castillo, Chloe (Colton) Gomes, and Landon Woodyard and was blessed with one great-grandchild, Charlotte Woodyard, who brought him immense joy.

Jim was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association (NRA) and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He found deep peace and happiness along riverbanks, lakes, and streams, searching for arrowheads and hidden treasures, a passion that stayed with him throughout his life. Nature was his refuge, and it showed in the way animals seemed naturally drawn to him. His love and gentleness toward animals was unmistakable.

In his younger years, Jim cherished time spent visiting his Aunt Gladys Mae in California, memories he held close throughout his life. He and Carol also shared years of fun and friendship playing coed softball together, forming lasting bonds and treasured memories.

Family was everything to Jim. When his daughters were growing up, weekends were almost always spent together at Elk City Lake, creating the kind of memories that become family legend. As a grandfather, he made every effort to attend sporting events, piano recitals, dance recitals, and school activities, offering quiet support and undeniable presence to each grandchild.

Jim is remembered as a man of integrity, kindness, and deep loyalty a true outdoorsman, a gentle animal lover, and a steady figure for those he loved. He was a legend to his family: a steadfast husband, a devoted father, a proud grandfather and great-grandfather, a brother, an uncle, and a friend whose influence will be felt for generations.

He is survived by his daughters and their families; his grandchildren and great-granddaughter; two nieces, Vicki (Jerry) Ringeisen and Christy (Shawn) Houston; and five nephews, Rod (Donna) Ringeisen, Ben (Becky) Zeiner, Eric (Kasey) Atkins, Brian (Christy) McBride, and Brett McBride.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Leota Smith; Lena Burington; his sister, Glenda Ringeisen; his beloved wife, Carol Smith; and many cherished friends and family members who welcomed him home.

A Celebration of Life will be held in June 2026 in Independence, Kansas, to honor and remember this remarkable man and the life he lived so fully.

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