James Richard Smith

James Richard Smith, Sr. passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 12th, at the age of 85.Jim was preceded in death by an infant son and daughter, his grandparents, parents and step-parents, brothers Robert Boyd Smith, Eugene N. “Cooter” Hardman, Jr., Johnny Ray Hardman, and Larry Michael Hardman. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Taylor Smith; his daughters Janna Dobbs (Randel), Juli McDonald (Sam), son Richard Smith, Jr.He is also survived by his grandchildren Stephen Adair (Heather), Lindsay Adair (Brandon Davis), O’Brien McDonald (Carrie), Deidra Ruchaber (Mitch), Sean McDonald (Shannon Cochrane), Lesley Pennington (Ryan), Richard Smith, III, Austin Smith, and Shane Smith.Great grandchildren Ayden, Paige, Cooper, Lilly, Boyd, Samantha, Stephen Randall III, Nolan and many extended family and friends. Jim was born in Forney, Texas to John Richard Smith and Elsie Mae Taylor Smith on Feb. 22, 1932.He was raised on a farm by his grandparents, Sleata and John Taylor, whom he called Mama and Daddy. He attended Forney schools through high school and Baylor University for two years.He married his high school sweetheart, Margaret Taylor in 1952.They were blessed with three children: Janna, Juli and Richard.He worked on his grandfather’s farm, spent 19 years with the Hooper Holmes Bureau and retired from American United Life after 24 years. Jim loved hunting with his friends and family, Baylor football, Nascar and Indy car racing, the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Ranger’s baseball. He will be remembered for his stellar sense of humor, love for his fellow man and devotion to God and his family. Memorials may be made to Hillcrest Cemetery, Forney Texas; Cal Farley’s Boy’s Ranch or St. Joseph’s Indian School.