James “Jim” William Smith
MEMPHIS - James William Smith (88) of Memphis, TN lived a joyful life, passing of natural causes, was called Home on October 28, 2020. He was an Alabamian by birth, in Birmingham, on August 8, 1932 to Beatrice Self Smith, who passed at childbirth, and William Pierce Smith. Jim grew up in Columbia, TN where he was, because of family situation, raised by the loving family of Frank Leonard. Jim was Tennessee Orange to the core. He was an alumna of University of Tennessee. As a young man Jim was an athlete in his own right competing multiple times in Golden Gloves Boxing. The Korean War took Jim into the Air Force where he rose to the rank of Master Sergeant.
Jim Smith never met a stranger. He was a consummate conversationalist especially when it came to his passion for golf. He took great pride serving as a Marshall for over three decades for the Fedex St. Jude Golf Tournament. This avid golfer made three Holes-in-one over his lifetime mostly at Windyke Country Club where he was a member for over 4 decades.
Jim’s leadership skills, quick wit and engaging charismatic personality made it natural for him to serve others. Through years with the Optimist Club of Fox Meadows he rose to President. He also served as President of The Transportation Club of Memphis. Naturally, everyone enjoyed Jim when he took to the rostrum of the Toastmasters Club. Jim enjoyed making a difference for people and their lives. As a salesman, of thirty-five years for Armstrong United Van Lines, he helped move thousands of Memphis citizens in and out of our city. Jim took great pride in making folks feel comfortable and welcomed. A caring, unselfish man indeed. From the staff at Kroger’s to the friends who he met up with at East End Grille, Jim was a force of personality that everyone loved to be around.
Aside from golf, Jim loved jazz music and reading. A consummate student of human behavior and history.
He is survived by his son Jamie (James William) Smith and wife Alice (Williams) Smith and grandsons Colin Carlyle Smith and Griffin James Smith all of Spartanburg, SC. Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife of forty-two years, Sarah Elizabeth Mcfarland Smith of Oak Ridge, TN.
A closed family Memorial Service is planned in the near future. Collierville Funeral Home is handling all arrangements.
If you feel Jim Smith’s “Passion for Life” consider a Memorial in his Honor to:
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Department 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142. www.stjude.org