James (Jim) R Smith

Mr. James (Jim) R. Smith of Maumelle, Arkansas, passed away peacefully, with family by his side, on Friday January 26, 2018, at the age of 65 after brief battle with cancer. Jim was born in Indianapolis, Indiana to Joan (Kittrell) and Robert Smith and spent his childhood years in in Indianapolis and Libby, Montana before settling in Carrollton, Illinois, where he graduated from high school. He married his high school sweetheart, Donna (Keller) Smith in August of 1971 and together they had two beautiful daughters. Jim's sales position transferred his family to Pekin, Illinois in 1986 and again in 1989, where they made their home in Maumelle, Arkansas. Jim was employed by First Baptist Little Rock Church as a Maintenance Supervisor. Jim enjoyed going to "hit some balls" aka golfing, boating on the Lou Yeger Lake while vacationing at the Roundcount's home in Litchfield, Illinois. Jim is survived by his wife Donna and their daughter and son-in-law, Sonyata (Sonya) and Kevin Wooderson of Sherwood and daughter, Erica Ellis Wright of Maumelle. He was beloved Paw-Paw to eight grandchildren; Chloe, Savannah, Raven, Lily, Scott, Lyric, Ava and Ryan, who will miss him dearly. Jim also leaves behind his two loyal pets, Lady and Pearlie Mae. He is also survived by his five siblings: Jack (Karen) Smith and nieces, Becky and Libby of Ohio; sister Patti Greenwood of Illinois; brother Joe (Kathy) Smith of Missouri; sister Margaret (Mike) Anders of Washington; sister, Frances Scheffel and nephew Jonce of Illinois. His stepfather, Dan Jarvis of Indiana, also survives. Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Joan Jarvis, father Robert Smith and nephew Matthew Smith. He also leaves behind a host of work-family, friends who will miss him dearly. Jim was an active member in the First United Methodist Church, 1201 Edgewood Drive, Maumelle Ark. 72113, where a memorial service will be held on Saturday February 3, 2018 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Jim Smith Memorial Fund, c/o First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 13984, Maumelle, Ark. 72113. A special thank you is sent to Dr. Brad Baltz from CARTI and Arkansas Hospice Team for their professionalism and care. An online guestbook is available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.