James M. “Smitty” Smith

James Monroe “Smitty” Smith, 87, of Sedalia, passed away Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at Harry S Truman Memorial Veteran’s Hospital in Columbia.

He was born December 14, 1934, in Clay County, WV, son of James Hugh and Lona A. (Boggs) Smith.

On April 1, 1989, in Sedalia, he was married to Christine E. (Allen).

He made his profession of faith in Jesus and was baptized at age twelve.

James served twenty years in the United States Air Force, including during the Vietnam War.

He worked in maintenance at several companies, including at a bowling alley and Payless Cashways. He also volunteered at the Whiteman Air Force Base pharmacy.

Smitty was a member of Smithton Baptist Church, where he faithfully served the Lord. His passion was jail ministry. He served for a number of years at the Pettis County Jail, leading many souls to Christ.

He was an avid gardener and enjoyed reading, especially religious materials.

Surviving are his wife, Chris, of the home; three children, Teresa Smith, of Indianapolis, IN, James Gregory Smith (Rachelle), of Tipton, and Laura Franklin (Kevin), of Sedalia; six grandchildren, James, Katrina, Jessica, Dylan (Brittany), Willow and Easton; five great-grandchildren; a sister, Marjorie Cupples (Tommy), of Lakeview, AR; sister-in-law, Charlotte Smith, of Nevada; and brother-in-law, Larry Allen, of the home.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Carliss Smith and Robert Smith.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 12, 2022, at Heckart Funeral Home, with Rev. John Barrett and Rev. Russ Slocum officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at 1:00 p.m. Monday at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Sunday, December 11, 2022, at Heckart Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Smithton Baptist Church.