Jim graduated from East High School and attended Wichita State University. He met his wife Pat in 1956 while working at TG&Y where he was the Assistant Manager. Jim and Pat were married on June 14, 1959. In 1961 they welcomed their daughter Kathy. Shortly after Jim was employed by IBM in the Typewriter Division. In 1963 they welcomed their son Jim Jr.
In November 1965, IBM transferred Jim and his family to the IBM Plant in Lexington, Kentucky where he worked in the Product Test Department. They welcomed another son, Dan, in Jan 1966. In 1970 IBM transferred Jim & his family to Austin, TX. After 31 years of employment, Jim retired from IBM in July 1992.
In 1998 Jim and Pat moved to their home on Lake Buchanan outside of Burnet and had 26 yrs. of happy times in the community of East Lake Buchanan. Jim enjoyed many years of fishing, he was a member of the East Lake Buchanan Volunteer Fire Department and was active in the Church. In 2011, he was ordained a Deacon at East Lake Fellowship. Jim was a caring man, always willing to help and a craftsman of multiple trades.
Jim is survived by his wife of 65 years, Pat, daughter Kathy Smitherman, son Jim Smitherman Jr and wife Tesse, son Dan Smitherman and wife Betsy. Grandchildren: James III, Joseph, Shelby and Taylor. Sister Cheryl Randa and husband Bob, a Niece Michelle Russell and a Nephew Steve Randa. Jim was proceeded in death by his parents, Harry and Geraldine.
Visitation will be held on December 12th from 1:00 - 2:00 pm, followed by the Service at 2:00 pm at First Baptist Church in Burnet, TX. Interment will follow at Lakeland Hills Memorial Park.
Pallbearers will be James Smitherman Jr, James Smitherman III, Joseph Smitherman, Dan Smitherman, Shelby Strickland and Taylor Strickland.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials or Donations may be made to Michael J Fox Parkinson Research, American Cancer Society or a Charity of your choice in Jim’s name.
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