James Claude Smith

Born in Beaumont, TX, Jim was raised by his grandparents until age 9, then went to live with his father and stepmother James C. and Mary Smith.  Jim graduated from Beaumont High School in1965, where he was a member of the football team until suffering a career-ending collar bone injury.  Jim was an intelligent and ambitious youth; he set his eyes on an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland and a future military career.  He went on to graduate from the Academy in 1969 with a B.S. in engineering.
Jim served in the U.S. Navy and reserves for 9 years, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander.  He served active duty in the Vietnam War, during which he received a Bronze Star medal for heroic and meritorious service.   After Vietnam, he served a Pentagon tour at the Defense Intelligence Agency, and then served as navigator of the USS Seattle from 1974-1977.  He also served aboard the USS Grand Canyon in Mayport, Florida.
After leaving military service, Jim worked installing offshore oil platforms in Corrientes, Argentina, then established a career in aggregates management.  He began his career with Essroc in Frederick, Maryland and relocated to Youngstown, Ohio.  He later took positions with Pioneer (Dallas, TX) and Hanson (Amarillo, TX).
In 1969, Jim married Donna Olsen with whom he raised 3 children, James, Jeffrey, and Joanna.  His personal accomplishments also included obtaining a private pilot license and many golf tournament trophies.  In his free time, Jim enjoyed watching old western movies and working with model trains.
Jim is predeceased by his parents and his son Jeffrey Paul Smith who died July 18, 2001.  He is survived by son and daughter-in-law James and Joanna Smith, granddaughter Violet Smith, and daughter and son-in-law Joanna and Justin Little.

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