OBITUARY: James Alfred Smith
James Alfred Smith, 74, of Galatia, passed away Friday, August 10, 2012, at Marion VA Hospital, in Marion. James "Jim" was born at home on December 26, 1937, to William "Pete" Alfred Smith and Sallie Smith. He married Shirley June Woolard, January 8, 1965.
Jim was a lifelong resident of Galatia. As a child, he sang in the Church Choir, enjoyed swimming in the local creek during school lunch time, had a special horse named "Flicka," along with several bird dogs and cats. He was a good athlete, he enjoyed playing baseball and as a young adult, was a member of the "Chiefs," a local baseball team.
Jim, also known as "Eight Ball" to many of his childhood friends, loved to reminisce. He was very social in high school, as he was elected Carnival King of 1955 and Senior Class President. He attended Southern Illinois University where he played football, following graduation from high school.
He was an avid quail and pheasant hunter. He had many bird dogs throughout the years; his favorites were "Spot" and "Muskie."
Jim enlisted in the United States Army in 1960 and was given an Honorable Discharge in 1966, with the rank of Sergeant. Upon marrying his wife Shirley, they had three daughters: Terri, Toni and Sallie. Jim was very active in local clubs and organizations. He was a member of Galatia Unit 1 School Board for numerous years, as well as the American Angus Association. He was a longtime member and former President of the Wabash Valley Angus Association. Jim was a current and longtime member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Illinois, with the Galatia local Chapter 684.
Jim was a welder for Babcock and Wilcox in Mount Vernon, Ind. He was a coal miner for Sahara 21 and a member of the Progressive Mine Workers of America. He was a registered Republican and supporter of the party. He enjoyed reading westerns. He would always listen to or watch the St. Louis Cardinals games. He loved discussing politics and history, but his biggest hobby was raising livestock, Angus cattle. He was one of the premier breeders and promoters of the breed in Southern Illinois.
Throughout the years, his cattle were shown at County and State Fairs, as well as at the national level. His family had several Grand Champion county ribbons throughout the years. But Jim was most proud of achieving Grand Champion Angus Heifer at the 1991 Duquoin State Fair.
Jim is survived by his wife Shirley Smith of Eldorado; as well as three daughters, Terri L. Beers of Calvert City, Ky., Toni L. (Mike) Mangels of Eldorado and Sallie Jo Smith of Eldorado; a brother, David Lee Smith of Galatia; and one grandchild, Katelyn Aubrey Mangels, who he adored and loved so very much.
He is also survived by an aunt and uncle, Mary Fern and Wayne Hankins of Murphysboro; as well as several cousins and close friends.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to friends and family that remained close to Jim especially in his later years.
Arrangements are with Watson Funeral Home in Eldorado. Visitation is from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, August 14, 2012, with Masonic Rites given by Galatia Masonic Lodge 684 AF and AM at 7 p.m. Funeral Services are 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012. Burial will be at Oak Grove Church Cemetery in Eldorado, with Military Funeral Honors.
Those who desire may make donations to the Saline County 4-H Federation.