James Gilbert Smith

James G. Smith (Jim) died suddenly from sepsis complications on Sunday, March 21, 2021 in Panama City, FL where he had been a five year resident of the Sims VA nursing home. Jim was born in Sweetwater, TN on October 23, 1930 and moved with his family to the Ocala, FL area when he was a young boy. Jim loved playing sports excelling in football, basketball, baseball and track & field. He was graduated in 1949 from Ocala High School, where he was captain of the football team, center on the basketball team, and a champion javelin thrower. In 1951, Jim enlisted in the US Air Force and traveled worldwide for duty assignments. He served in the Korean and Vietnam wars before retiring in 1972 as a Master Sergeant. During his 21 year military career, Jim was a flight engineer on C-123’s and later an aircraft maintenance supervisor. Jim was a devoted husband and dad, and loved spending time with his family. He was generous with his time and talent, coaching many youth baseball and football teams. He never gave up his zeal for sports playing on many fast-pitch softball teams around the country during the 1950’s and 60’s. Upon his military retirement, Jim moved back to Ocala, and enjoyed playing golf with his wife and retired buddies. In 2016, Jim moved to the VA nursing home in Panama City, FL and now returns to Ocala to be buried beside his wife, Ramona, and daughter, Susan. Jim is survived by his son, James; his daughter, Diana Jones; his grandchildren, Courtney Cole and Trevor Smith; his great grandchildren, Madelyn, Mikaela and Molly Cole; his sisters, Shirley Lusher, Joe Anne Bullman; and Marie Hargis; and many nieces and nephews. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Hattie Smith; and his sisters, Betty Bratcher and Christine Smith. The burial service will take place at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 5740 S Pine Ave, Ocala, FL 34480 on March 31, 2021 at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Fisher House Foundation (fisherhouse.org) to help military and veteran families during hospitalization.