SMITH, James L. “Jim”

James L. “Jim” Smith Jun 15, 1929 – Oct 9, 2016 James L. “Jim” Smith was born on June 15, 1929 in Walthill, NE to Gladys Mae and Dale Smith. After moving many times during his youth, Jim returned to Walthill where he met Arlene Muhe, whom he wed on August 8, 1953. They were happily married for the next 63 years. Jim served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. After the service, he enrolled in college, graduating in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Husbandry from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The next year, he started his career with the United Stockyards Corporation, serving as President of the Milwaukee, Sioux Falls and Omaha markets over the years, until 1986 at which time he oversaw the 100-year anniversary celebration of the Omaha Market. He also served with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture as the Marketing Division Administrator until his retirement in 1995. Jim didn’t know a stranger and was known and remembered by many farmers, ranchers and others even after his retirement. With an easy smile, gregarious sense of humor and love of agriculture, he remembered all whom he met and was remembered as well. A long-time member of Dundee Presbyterian Church, Jim served as an elder and on the Board of Trustees. In recent years, he enjoyed participating in the Dundee Presbyterian Church senior men’s Bible study. He also enjoyed growing and cultivating hostas and could often be found outdoors, transplanting and caring for hundreds of plants in his yard. Jim went on to Heaven on Sunday, Oct. 9th after a brief illness, leaving his family to await their reunion with him: his wife of 63 years, Arlene Muhe Smith; daughters, Alysia Ryan (Mitch) and Deanne Smith (Viranjit); grandchildren, Ashlyn Ryan and Arjan Madan; brother, Burke Walter (Donna). He was preceded in death by two brothers and a sister. Thank you to everyone who has reached out in sympathy and compassion during Jim’s illness and death. We are all better people for having known Jim and we will carry forward his legacy of kindness, integrity and compassion until we meet again. The family will receive friends Thursday, October 13th from 5pm to 7pm at the Bel Air Chapel. SERVICES Friday, October 14th at 11am, Dundee Presbyterian Church, 5312 Underwood Ave. Interment in Walthill, Nebraska. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Habitat for Humanity or Dundee Presbyterian Church.

HEAFEY-HOFFMANN DWORAK & CUTLER BEL AIR CHAPEL 12100 West Center Road Omaha, Nebraska 68114 (402) 391-3900

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