James L. Smith, 71, of Independence, IA died Sunday, July 7, 2019 at home in Independence, IA.
He was born on December 14, 1947, in Oelwein, IA the son of Max and Caroline (Hinrichs) Smith. He attended the country schools in rural Independence and later graduated in 1966 from Jefferson High School, Independence, IA. James went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Arts and Math from University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, IA in 1970. On October 3, 1970 ,he was united in marriage to Marjorie Ann Lund in Brandon, IA. They made their home in Fort Dodge, IA where James taught Math and Industrial Arts at Northwest Webster/Barnum School for one year. In 1971
he started to work for the Hormel Meat Packing plant in Fort Dodge, until its closure in 1982. They moved to Elden, IA in 1982, and later to Algona, IA in 1987; and continued working for Hormel until his retirement in 2010. After his retirement, James and Margie moved to their farm in rural Independence.
James loved to work with his hands, he enjoyed wood working, and gardening.
He is survived by his wife, Margie Smith, his children; Michelle (Brian) Stevens, Cedar Rapids, IA, Chad (Jill) Smith, Cedar Falls, IA, his grandchildren; Megan Smith, Nathan Smith, Tyler Smith, Rebecca Stevens, Rachael Stevens, Justin Stevens, Jason Stevens, two brothers; Gilbert (Marie Lynch) Smith, Ames, IA, and Paul (Nancy) Smith, Monmouth, OR.
James is preceded in death by his parents; Max and Caroline Smith, and a sister-in-law, Louise “Blondie” Smith
A Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, July 11, 2019 at the Hope Wesleyan Church in Independence, IA with Rev. Robert Solon officiating. Burial will be held at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 from 5 until 8 PM at the Reiff Family Center and Funeral Home in Independence, IA.