James Harry Smith, 78, of Riverside, Missouri passed away at home, Monday, October 21, 2019. Jim was born January 4, 1941 to Merle and Jessie (Redmon) Smith in Chicago, Illinois. As a young child, he moved with his family to the Bay area of California. After graduating high school, he joined the Air Force where he was trained as a Supply Specialist for the 58th Air Rescue Squadron. In 1961, he married Terry O’Lary in Reno, Nevada. The couple had 3 sons; Vernon (Helena) Smith of Fremont, CA, Kenny Smith of Palm Desert, CA, and Shane Smith of Livermore, CA. The couple divorced in 1974. In May of 1975 and he married Carole Gonyou and in 2003 Carole passed away. Jim worked for Ford as a painter in their production plant for 30 years, when decided to retire. He quickly got bored with all his free time, and went to work at Manheim Auto Auction as a ring driver where he worked for another 15 years, until having a stroke. During his time at Manheim, he met his current wife, Barbara. On April 14, 2014, he married Barbara in a “Hillbilly Shotgun” wedding. Jim enjoyed traveling with Barbara, and when they were not traveling, he loved spending time working on his 23’ T-bucket, watching Jerry Springer, and hanging out with his brother-in-law Steve.
Jim is preceded by his parents, and his second wife Carole.
He is survived by his wife of the home, his three sons, stepchildren; Jamie Gonyou of Chicago, IL, Tab (Patti) Gonyou of California, Robert Razo Sr. of Riverside, MO, Monica (Joe) Vallejo, of Kansas City, MO, Dione Razo of Kansas City, KS., and his brother William Smith of California. He is also leaves behind 19 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Visitation will be 10:00 AM, Friday, November 1, 2019 with the funeral immediately following at 11:00 AM at Church-Archer-Pasley Funeral Home, 119 E. Franklin St., Liberty, Missouri. Burial will be in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO. In lieu of flowers, family request contributions go to the American Cancer Society in Jim’s name.
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