James E. Smith, formerly of Zion, Illinois, passed away on Jan. 25, 2017, after a long illness. He was 80. Jim married the love of his life, Beverly, in 1954 and moved to Zion, Illinois. There he found his calling as an auto parts man. After leaving the employ of Gordon’s Auto Parts in Waukegan, Illinois in 1972, he opened his own business, Jim’s World of Speed, in Halfday, Illinois which he retired from in 1989. Jim enjoyed many hobbies over the years including racing, CB club, published author of two books, A Walk through Town and Miss Bernice, and numerous church activities. But his passion by far was collecting Pooh Bear memorabilia – an entire room full. Jim was loved and respected by many and will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John W. and Esther R. Smith, and sister, Barbara Ann Sauron.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Beverly; two children, Kim (Kenneth) Anthony and Steven Smith; brother, John D. (Bubbles) Smith; two grandchildren, Katey and Danny; numerous great-grandchildren; and niece, Allison (Russell) Mefford.
Visitation will be held at Morrison Funeral Home, Cherokee, Alabama, on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017, from noon until 2 p.m. with service to follow at 2 p.m. Pastor Chuck Lansdell and Brother Rod Stansky are officiating. Burial will follow at Oaksgrove Cemetery, Iuka, Mississippi.
Pallbearers will be Tommy Pounders, Channin Goss, Marty Goss, Russell Mefford, Jason Bordon, and Daniel Anthony.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Please visit morrisonfuneralhomes.com to leave online condolences.
