James Smith

James R. Smith-72, Indianapolis, passed away in his home on January 7, 2008. Jim courageously battled lung cancer over the last nineteen months. He was born in New Castle, Indiana on September 27, 1935 to the late Sam and Lepha (Musselman) Smith. He is survived by his two brothers: Thomas M. (Mary Lee) Smith of Frisco, Colorado Jerry P. (Ginger) Smith of Northfield, New Jersey, along with several beloved nieces and nephews who spent many summers with "Uncle Jim" on the farm in Indiana. Jim and his family moved to Decatur Township, Marion County in 1951. He was a 1953 graduate of Decatur Central High School. Upon graduation he worked as a herdsman at Wolf Farms in Rochester, Indiana for two years. In 1955, Jim moved back to Indianapolis and began his 41-year career at Indianapolis Power and Light Company as a lineman, then as a troubleshooter and most formally as a dispatcher. Jim retired in 1996. In addition, he owned and operated Camby Stables, boarding horses and holding numerous horse shows, open and 4-H youth shows since 1967. Jim was influential in Decatur Township by his involvement in the Decatur Township Volunteer Fire Department, Decatur Youth Basketball League, Optimist Club, Lions Club, 4-H Leader, Decatur Little League Baseball Organization, Decatur Youth Football, Camby Horse Shows, and Decatur Township Horse and Pony Club. In addition, he was a member of IBEW#1395 and the Eagles Lodge of Mooresville, Indiana. Jim loved spending time with family and friends, fishing, boating, vacationing, and socializing on all occasions. Jim was a formidable member of the club known locally as "The Wild Bunch" who spent many wonderful years trail riding in Missouri and Southern Indiana. Jim is survived by his wife Suzanne K. (Stevens) Smith and his five children and nine grandchildren. His children and families include: James W. (Sherry) Smith and daughter Kelsey of Decatur, Texas; Marianne (Tony) Brown and children Jake Holt and Amy Brown; Rex E. (Lori Davis) Smith and sons Cody and Kendall Smith; Mike (Corrie) Stevens and daughters Mia and Zoe; and Robert J (Dianna) Smith and children Brian and Christin, all of Indianapolis. He was preceded in death by infant daughter Jamie Sue Smith. A "Celebration of Life" service will be held at 6:30pm on January 12, 2008. Calling will be from 2:00pm to 6:00pm the same day at Camby Community Church. Jones Family Mortuary, Mooresville, Indiana is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the Decatur Township Relay for Life or Decatur Township Dollars for Scholars with envelopes available at the church. Both can be sent in care of Decatur Central High School, 5251 Kentucky Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46221 in memory of James R. Smith.