James Meador Smith

He was born in Clifton, Arizona on March 8, 1924, to William Arthur and Radah Smith. He attended school in both Clifton and Morenci, Arizona. After graduating he attended the University of Arizona for one year prior to joining the U.S. Army Air Force where he was later commissioned as an officer and a navigator on a B-17. After the war, he returned to the University where he received a B.A. in Liberal Arts and a Doctorate of Jurisprudence.

In 1950 he joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation where he remained until 1956, serving in Washington, D.C., Knoxville, Tennessee and New York City. He returned to Arizona where he worked for several major law firms. He later was a partner in the law firm of Stahl, Murphy, and Blakely for many years.

In 1962 he was appointed as a Phoenix City Court Judge where for 14 years he served as an Assistant Chief Presiding Judge. Leaving the court he became the Deputy Director of the Department of Insurance. He returned to the practice of law and served as a Deputy Public Defender in the Juvenile Courts.

Jim was a charter member of the Arizona Chapter of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity in Tucson, Arizona. He was active in the Phoenix Rotary Club for many years. He was a member of the Beatitudes Church and choir.

Jim is survived by his two sons, Richard and Greg, his daughter Wendy Smith-Lowe (her husband Lionel Lowe), his sister Mary Margaret Smith, grandsons Zac Lowe (His wife Kerry Lowe) and James Michael Smith. He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara. Jim enjoyed painting, gardening and writing. For the last 9 years he has resided at The Terraces where he has been very active. There will be a Celebration of Life Service 1:00 PM, Saturday, September 20, 2014 at The Terraces 7550 N. 16th St. Phoenix, AZ 85020 at the Gathering Place. In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to Hospice of the Valley.