James L. "Jim" Smith Died 2010

SMITH BOUSKA MAXWELL

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 3/5/2011 at 13:42:48

Sioux City Journal
29 October 2010

SIOUX CITY -- James L. "Jim" Smith, 85, of Sioux City went to be with his Savior on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2010, at Sunrise Retirement Community.

Memorial services will be 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, with the Rev. Merlin Schrad officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, with military rites. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m., and a vigil service at 7 p.m., all at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Condolences may be sent online to www.meyerbroschapels.com .

James was born in Chamberlain, S.D., the son of Clifford and Viola (Maxwell) Smith. He was raised in Yankton, S.D., by his beloved grandfather, James P. Smith and great-uncle, Mike Smith. He attended Yankton schools. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Marines Corps and served in one of the first platoons that arrived in Najkasaki, Japan, during World War II.

After the war, he attended Yankton College, where he met and married Mildred Bouska. She was the love of his life. He earned his undergraduate degree from Southern State College in Springfield, S.D. Later, he earned his master's degree from the University of South Dakota. Jim taught and coached at the high school level. He coached and taught in various towns in South Dakota. He also taught in Rosalie, Norfolk and Humphrey, Neb. They lived in Norfolk, Neb., where they made many good friends. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

They moved to Sioux City, where Jim coached and taught at Bishop Heelan Catholic High School. In the mid-1960s, Jim accepted a position as the first dean of men at Briar Cliff College. From there, he went on to teach for many years in the Sioux City Public schools in special education. He retired in 1987.

During his life, Jim loved coaching football, basketball, track and softball. For many years he pitched fast-pitch softball throughout the tri-state area. He was also an avid golfer, being a member of the Sioux City Boat Club and later, the Dakota Dunes Country Club. He made two holes-in-one.

Jim and his wife, Millie, were avid bridge players. They also loved to dance. Jim raised a family of seven children. He taught them the love of reading, the benefit of hard work, honesty and love of family, God and country. He was known by many as always having an Irish wit. He was known in the education community, but he also worked at Sportmen's in Sioux City.

He is survived by his children, Lorie Bruneau of Savannah, Ga., Kevin and Debbie Smith, Collette and Jim McCullough, Shannon and Jenny Smith, Shavonne and Joe Kopal, all of Sioux City, Colin and Laura Smith of Richmond Hill, Ga., and Mary and Chris Doerr of Littleton, Colo.; grandchildren, Becky and Steve Hittle, Ben Bruneau, Alex and Jennifer Smith, Eric Smith, Tom and Jackie Smith, Jake Smith, Flynn McCullough, Brigid McCullough, Gabe Beck, Katie and Josie Kopal, Stacie and Samantha Smith, Dan and Jessica Doerr and special friend, Darwyn Jacobo; great-grandchildren, Frannie Hittle, Ryan, Dylan and Morgan Smith, Brogan and Hudson Smith, and Camila Jacobo; many cousins, nieces and nephews in South Dakota, and surrounding areas.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Millie who died in 2007; an infant son, John; grandson, Allan; his parents and grandparents; in-laws; his most loved uncles and aunts who he considered his brothers and sisters, Bud, Ganner, Orman, Bea, Marie, and Onie; and his special brother-in-law, Elmer Bouska.

Honorary pallbearers will be Ben Bruneau, Alex, Eric, Tom and Jake Smith, Flynn McCullough, Gabe Beck and Dan Doerr.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Sunrise Manor in honor of their devotion, love and wonderful care of our father.