James D Smith

James D. Smith, 80, of Van Wert passed away Friday afternoon at Van Wert Manor Nursing Home.

He was born on July 21, 1939, in Van Wert the son of the late Glenn O. and Irene (Munday) Smith. On February 6, 1965, he married the former Marcia Droll who survives.

Other family members include his daughter, Michele (Mark) Hiegel of Van Wert; two sons, J.D. (Jennifer) Smith of Van Wert and Craig (Aida) Kroeger; eight grandchildren, C.J. Hiegel, Courtney (Craig) Feasby, Colin Smith, Carly Smith, Carson Smith, Drew Dillion, Mia Kroeger and Noah Kroeger; seven great grandchildren, Cash Hiegel, Braylon Parrish, Keller and Asher Hiegel, Cooper and Callahan Feasby and Jack Dillion; a sister, Barbara (Ned) Runyon of Wolcottville, Indiana; a sister-in-law, Julie (Tom) Rupert of Van Wert; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Jim was preceded in death by three brothers, Bill, Glenn, Jr., and Richard Smith; and four sisters, Marjorie Anderson, Bonnie Pollock, Eythel May Shell, and Eileen Brievogel.

Jim was a 1957 graduate of Van Wert High School. He had served in the U.S. Army and the United States Secret Service. He retired from Kennedy Manufacturing in Van Wert. The highlight of Jim’s life was his salvation in Jesus Christ. He was a long-time member of Calvary Evangelical Church and the Builders Sunday School Class where he had served as class president. He enjoyed racing harness horses and was an inductee in the Ohio Bowling Hall of Fame. He was an avid fan of the Cleveland Indians and the Browns and the Ohio State University Buckeyes. He was so very proud of his grandchildren and supported their sports and other activities.

A memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at Calvary Evangelical Church with Pastor Clark Williman officiating. Calling hours will be held at 2 - 8 p.m., Monday at Cowan & Son Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the Church.

Preferred memorials are to Calvary Evangelical Church.

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