James Smith

Marion- James Arthur Smith, 75, of Marion passed away at 8:40AM, Saturday, January 19, 2013 at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Marion. Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, January 25, 2013 at Blue Funeral Home in Marion with Pastor Bob Wynn officiating. Burial will follow at Davis Prairie Cemetery in Williamson County. Military rites will be performed at graveside by the Marion VFW and American Legion Posts with assistance from the Illinois National Guard. Visitation will be held from 5-8pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013 at Blue Funeral Home in Marion. Memorial donations are suggested to the family may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home, PO Box 411, Marion, IL, 62959. James was born on Tuesday, July 27, 1937 in Baltimore, MD to Edward Joseph and Carlyn Adella (Brangle) Smith. He married Brenda Marie Purdue on Sunday, May 2, 1976 in North Hollywood, CA. She survives of Marion. He is survived by his wife, Brenda of Marion; children, James & Donna Smith, Jr. of Marion, Joseph Murphy of Fairview Heights, Karen Biondi of Los Angeles, CA, Janet Stodghill of Marion, Carolyn & Harry Sklar of Marion and James Smith IV of Marion; grandchildren, Justin Murphy, Alex Fleming, Jr., Joshua Humphrey, Brandon Humphrey, Anthony Parrino, Madison Smith, Cali Smith, Ashlee Smith, James Smith III, Jason Murphy, Eric Biondi, Ahnna Griffin, Ahndrea Murphy, Jonathan Murphy and Joseph Murphy; great-grandchildren, Justin Murphy, Keegan Humphrey, Dallas Humphrey, Giovanni Perrone, Eli Murphy, Pierre Griffin and Kalil Griffin; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Edward Smith. He served his country bravely while enlisted in the United States Army during the Korean conflict. Once honorably discharged he began a career as a self-employed locksmith. He owned “J&J Locksmith” in Los Angeles, CA until his retirement. He was a member of Love and Truth Church in Crainville and served as an usher there. He enjoyed fishing and spending time outdoors with his family and going on long rides.