Obituary of James Eugene Smith

James E. Smith, 86, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and prayer on Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at the Knute Nelson Nursing Home in Alexandria, MN. A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at 12:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Jackson, MN with Pastor Robert Moorlach officiating.

James Eugene Smith, son of Barton and Thelma (Mikelson) Smith, was born on July 28, 1933, in Jackson, Minnesota. James attended Jackson Public Schools and graduated in 1951. In high school James excelled in many sports but especially football. James was a three-year starter on some of legendary coach Louis Swearingen’s best teams. As a senior, James was voted captain and landed on the 1951 Amateur Sportsmen’s Club All-State Squad. An honor bestowed on the top 29 high school senior athletes in the state of Minnesota. James attracted football scholarship offers from South Dakota State and Iowa State University along with a preferred walk-on from the University of Minnesota. James enrolled at Iowa State in the Fall of 1951. He played for two seasons before his heart condition forced him out of the Iowa State program. James enrolled at Mankato State University where he reunited with Darlene R. Smith, a high school classmate. On June 5, 1954, James and Darlene were united in marriage at the United Methodist Church in Fairmont, MN. The couple lived in Fairmont for a brief time before moving to Jackson where they would reside for 63 years. Darlene and James were blessed with six children. All six graduated from Jackson public schools and the University of Minnesota, Morris. James worked in livestock feed sales for several organizations in southwest Minnesota for the vast majority of his career. James was very active in the J.A.Y. (Jackson Athletics for Youth) program with a special passion of introducing the great game of football to 5th and 6th graders. Many alumni of the J.A.Y. Football program may still refer to themselves by their team names of “Lions”, “Saints”, “Cardinals” or “Packers”. James was also a member of the United Methodist Church in Jackson where he taught Sunday School and led Bible study.

James was a loving and devoted husband to his soul mate Darlene. Their love and partnership focused on the care and guidance of their children and grandchildren with much of their retirement years spent traveling to stay close to family and friends.

Following a final battle with heart disease, James passed away at the Knute Nelson Nursing Home holding the hand of his beloved wife Darlene on Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at the age of 86 years, 5 months, and 24 days. In addition to devotion to his faith, family and community, James will always be remembered for his gregarious personality, hearty laugh, huge smile and ability to turn a stranger into a friend in a manner of minutes.

James is survived by his wife Darlene, son Warren (Ann) Smith of Alexandria, MN; son Tim (Deb) Smith of Sioux Falls, SD; son James (Shelly) Smith of Shakopee, MN; son Ted (Pam) Smith of Bloomington, MN; son Daniel (Laurie) Smith of Ashby, MN; daughter Jennifer (Eric) Heath of Sisseton, SD along with 17 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

James is preceded in death by infant daughter Sally and parents Thelma and Barton.

Blessed be the memory of James Eugene Smith.