James “Jim” Francis Smith, age 77, went home to be with the Lord Saturday -- October 6, 2018 at his residence in Charlotte, North Carolina. Jim was a gentleman who opened doors for folks, maintaining a southern charm and upholding the image that male chivalry still exist. Known as “Poppy”, Jim loved to laugh, making people feel good about themselves, he loved dancing, cooking, fixing things, and keeping everything organized. Poppy was the Operations Leader at Paul Mitchell The School Gastonia & Charlotte. He was a farmer when younger and loved his John Deere Tractor. Jim also loved his two fur babies, Sophie and Fifi. Poppy was a loving and dedicated husband, a caring father, an understanding grandfather, great grandfather and trusted friend to all who knew him. Jim served honorably for 8 years in the United States Army and qualified as an expert rifleman with the M1 rifle. Jim will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Those left behind to cherish Jim’s memories and carry on his legacy are his loving and devoted wife of 40 years, Nancy Smith of Charlotte, North Carolina; two daughters and son in law: Teresa Boldra of Red Oak, Iowa, Lisa and Steve Pollak of Charlotte, North Carolina; three sons and daughters in law: Todd and Rhonita Smith of Vancouver, Washington, Terry Grebe of Tarkio, Missouri, Craig and Dolores Baucom of Bessemer City, North Carolina; sister and brother in laws: Barbara and Duane Hilger of Riverton, Iowa; brother and sister in law: Stephen and Joann Smith of Shelby, North Carolina, Bob Whitehill (husband of Janet Gruber Whitehill) of Farragut, Iowa; five grandchildren and their spouses: Meela Smith, Nahla Smith, Trent and Heather Boldra, Ty and Christina Boldra, Rex Faile; six great grandchildren: Teagan Boldra, Holland Boldra, Brighton Boldra, Tyler Boldra, Triston Boldra and Destin Faile; host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends also survive.
Jim was the son of the late Harry and Grace Smith along with his step mother, Ruby Smith. He was also preceded in death by his sister and brother in law: Janet Gruber Whitehill and Bruce Gruber and infant sister Mary Smith.
A life Well Celebrated Ceremony will be held at 2pm, Saturday -- October 13, 2018 in the Chapel of Carothers Funeral Home: 2205 Williamsburg Drive, Gastonia, North Carolina with Reverend Johnny Gantt to deliver words of hope and comfort to Jim’s family and friends and a special reading by Kacie Martin on the 23rd Psalms. Graveside service with military honors accorded by the United States Army and the Gaston County Honor Guard in the Garden of Peace at Gaston Memorial Park.
Active pallbearers are Jerry Gruber, Ryan Smith, Jason McLeymore, Tommy Gantt, Jody Baucom, Cale Lassiter. Honorary pallbearers are Brian Center, Brian Gantt, Dewey McLeymore and the loving staff of Paul Mitchell The School.
The family will receive guests from 6:00pm -- 8:00pm Friday -- October 12, 2018 in the Chapel of Carothers Funeral Home: 2205 Williamsburg Drive, Gastonia, North Carolina.
In lieu of flowers the family ask that memorials be made in Jim's honor to Levine Children's Hospital: 1000 Blythe Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28203.
Expressions of love and fond memories can be made on Jim’s guestbook at www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com
Carothers Funeral home at Gaston Memorial Park is honored to be serving the family of James Francis Smith.
