James Virgil Smith, 79, of Findlay, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2012, at Bridge Hospice Care Center.
Jim was born May 21,1933, in Hoytville, to Frank and Maudie (Erford) Smith. He was a Korean War veteran serving in the U.S. Army as a Corporal. During his time in the service, Jim was on a tour in Austria, and attended the Southeastern Signal School, Camp Gordon, Ga., where he was certified as a cryptographer. He worked for General Dynamics (Lima Tank Plant) for 28 years, retiring in 1994. He was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, and the Ralph D. Cole American Legion Post No. 3.
Jim is survived by his wife of 51 years, Marie (Schreiner) Smith; six children, Lynn (Timothy) Granatir of Perrysburg, Paul (DeAnn) Smith of Fostoria, Mrs. Karen (Michael) Hopkinson of Walbridge, Ronald Foster-Smith (partner, Wood Foster-Smith) of Minneapolis, Minn., Michael (Pam) Smith of Rockford, Ill., and Andrew (Christina) Smith of Van Buren; and 14 grandchildren, Brian and Michelle Granatir, Taylor and Drew Smith, Ashley, Josh and Tyler Hopkinson, Chantyl and Mykela Bray, Jenna and Melayna Smith and Zachary, Isaac and Alexandria Smith; and sister, Marilyn (Jim) Drummer of Wrightsville, Pa.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Erford and Franklin Smith; and three sisters, Marjorie Wilhelm, Maxine Boes and Dorothy Smith.
Friends and family may visit from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3, 2012, at Hufford Family Funeral Home, 1500 Manor Hill Road, Findlay, (419) 422-1500.
A celebration of Jim's life will be 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Michael the Archangel Parish (East). Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial contributions in Jim's name may be made to Bridge Home Health and Hospice.
Online condolences may be sent to www.huffordfh.com.
