James S. Smith, age 70 years, passed away Thursday, June 20, 2013 at the Western Missouri Medical Center in Warrensburg, Missouri. Funeral services will be held 10:00 A.M. Friday, June 28, 2013 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel, Clinton, Missouri. Interment will follow in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, Higginsville, Missouri at 1:00 P.M. The family will receive friends Thursday, June 27, 2013 from 6:00-7:30 P.M. also at the chapel. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association and can be left in care of the funeral home. Fond memories and condolences may be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com

James was born October 14, 1942 in Grand Island, Nebraska the son of James and Jean (Stewart) Smith. James served in the U.S. Navy from 1961-1965. He was a teletype operator on the USS Yorktown during the Vietnam War. Later he worked for Tracker Marine as a machinist. He enjoyed many activities such as slow-pitch baseball, bowling, golfing, horseshoes, and fishing. At one time James played short-stop on the St. Louis Cardinal Farm Team. He also enjoyed reading and he loved to hunt mushrooms. He was a member of the Windsor VFW, Ironworkers #10 Union, and attended the Friendly Pentecostal Church of Clinton, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Surviving James is his wife, Connie of the home; 4 sons, James Smith Jr. of Iola, Wisconsin, Michael Smith of Clinton, Missouri, Robert Smith of Clinton, Missouri and Matthew (Angela) Smith of St. Joseph, Missouri; his brother, Steven (Dee) Smith of Rogersville, Arkansas; 2 sisters, LeAnn (Robert) Duver of Lawrence, Kansas and Margaret (Ed) Stevens of Belton, Missouri; 11 grandchildren, as well as many other relatives and friends.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, Missouri.