James D. Smith

James D. Smith (Jim)

Jim passed away peacefully on July 18, 2025, with his wife and sister Deb at his side.

He was born February 6, 1960 to Shirley and Frank Smith. He was greeted at home by his Big Sisters Deb and Darla.

Jim had a great work ethic, when he was in grade school his mom worked at the school as a cook and Jim would stay after lunch and clean tables and take out the trash out. At the age of 12 he was a paper boy delivering the daily paper all over Wray. At the age of 14 his dad helped him get a job with the Wray Grain sacking 100 lbs bag of grain and weighing trucks that came in. At the age of 16 he would go with his dad who was a truck driver for John 66 service station and learned how to drive a truck.

Jim met Glenda that same year and married three years later on July 20, 1979. Jim worked for various farmers and also worked for Richies's ready mix. Jim and Glenda welcomed their first child Eric on June 9th 1981. In that same year they decided to move to Laramie WY where Jim had a job with NEDLOG technology mixing chemicals.

On April 3rd 1984 their second son was born Matthew their family was complete. In 1987 and they returned to Wray and Jim hauled gas for John 66. Three years later they went out of business. Jim got a job with Matlack Systems in Denver driving a truck. In the 1990s Jim took a job with R&K trucking out of Limon, Colorado. He hauled cattle and vegetables and their motto was anytime anywhere which ring true. Jim worked for another trucking company called Morehouse for two years hauling swing meat and box meat to Chicago IL. In 2000 he took a job with Watkins Shepherd where Glenda joined him. They went coast to coast hauling carpet furniture and home goods for Kmart. Later on, Jim decided to transfer over to the flatbed division hauling lumber, tractors and many other materials.

Jim and Glenda appreciated a hot shower and coffee that was in their thermos. Jim always said that when he died, he wanted to be cremated and put in his thermos! Glenda decided to honor his wishes and bury his ashes in his thermos. In 2009 Jim took a job with Tri-state Commodities out of Greeley Colorado. Hauling salt, feed, additives and many other grains. He worked with the company until he retired in 2022.

Jim enjoyed hunting fishing camping and going on cruises with Glenda. His hobby was collecting model trucks from different companies.

Jim is survived by his wife Glenda boys Eric and girlfriend Allie son Matthew and wife Maria mother Shirley and sisters Deb Schorzman,  and Darla fix and brother-in-law Bob. Three grandchildren Evan, Andrew, and Chloe Smith as well as one great grandson Ezekiel Smith. Also left to mourn are many extended family members and friends. His preceded in death by his dad Frank, brothers in law and many friends and extended family members.

Cremation was requested.

A memorial service is scheduled at Jones Family Funeral Home for August 9, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.