Dr. James Allen Smidt, M.D.
PHOENIX – Dr. James Allen Smidt, M.D. died peacefully in his Phoenix home June 30th. He was 89.
He was a practicing pediatrician in Phoenix beginning in 1960. Dr. Smidt’s practice was renowned for the detection and treatment of childhood allergies. Beyond just medical treatment, Dr. Smidt offered his patients advice and counseling. For this, he was admired by his medical associates and trusted by his young patients who called him “Doctor Jim” or “Doctor Jimmy”. As a friend and physician he had a quiet demeanor, a puckish sense of humor, and an all-knowing grin.
James was born on June 27, 1929 in Bakersfield, CA. to his parents Harry Smidt and Clara Guenthner Smidt. He and his four siblings lived in Freeman, South Dakota. Jim Smidt was Valedictorian of his high school class in 1947 and after high school, he entered the University of South Dakota graduating with a bachelors degree of Arts and Sciences in 1951. He pursued and received his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, TX in 1955. He met his future wife, Latisha (“Tish”) Ann Ridge of Ada, OK while in Dallas and they married May 5, 1956 in Miami, FL. Dr. Smidt also received his appointment as a Lt. in the United States Naval Reserve in 1956 and the newly-weds began two years of service in the Medical Corps serving at stations in Charleston, SC and Omaha, NE. After completing his residency in pediatrics at the University of Nebraska College of Medicine in Omaha, NE Dr. Smidt moved his young family to Phoenix, AZ in 1960 and joined a small pediatrics practice. Dr. Smidt was certified by the American Board of Pediatrics in 1962 and continued his practice until 2000. Dr. Smidt volunteered at the Maricopa County Hospital and during his retirement he volunteered at the White Dove Thrift Shoppe where he made many new friends.
In addition to his wife, survivors include his daughter Gretchen Smidt of Phoenix, AZ; His sons Greg Smidt and wife Nancy of Houston, TX and their children Scout, Lizzie, and Cooper; Ridge Smidt and wife Tana of Encinitas, CA and their children Remy, Harry, and Grace; Jason Smidt and wife Sharmyn of Phoenix, AZ; and his sisters Betty Morgan of West Plains, MO and Patty Harman of Carrollton, GA. Jim was preceded in death by his brothers Harry Smidt and Gary Walter.
A funeral service will be held Saturday July 21 at 10:00 A.M. at First United Methodist Church, 5510 N. Central Ave. Participating ministers will be Rev. Denny Silk, Pastor of First United Methodist Church and Rev. Don Smidt with Connecting Generations Ministries. A reception will be held immediately after the service at the University Club of Phoenix, 39 E. Monte Vista Rd.
The family requests that memorial donations be made to First United Methodist Church, 5510 N. Central Ave. 85012 or Connecting Generations Ministries, 1535 E. Meadow Ln. Phoenix, AZ 85022.