James Smith

James “Sup� Smith, age 84, of Carrington, ND, died Sunday, February 15, 2009, at Carrington Health Center, Carrington, ND.

James Robert Smith was born May 6, 1924, the son of James Thomas and Anna (Melberg) Smith at New Rockford, ND. He went to school in New Rockford, graduating in 1942. On April 29, 1943, Jim entered the US Army. He was assigned to the 61st Armored Infantry Battalion, 10th Armored Division fighting in the European African Middle Eastern Theater of Operations. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and served as platoon leader. On Christmas Eve, 1944, while engaged in what would later be known as the “Battle of the Bulge�, Jim was wounded in action and was awarded the Purple Heart. He was also awarded the Bronze Star for “meritorious achievement in ground combat against the armed enemy�. He was honorably discharged from military service on September 21, 1945. Jim Smith was certainly a member of what Tom Brokaw dubbed as“The greatest generation�.

After his discharge, Jim returned to Carrington, ND. On November 15, 1948, Jim married Jean Semmens at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Carrington. He worked in Carrington for Stambaugh Bros Firestore, Vet’s Club, and Furniture Mart as a carpet layer. Jean died December 22, 2002.

Sup enjoyed fishing, hunting, spending time at the lake, bird watching and feeding, and building his horse wagons. Early on his interests were his horses, raising various wildlife, planting trees, and gardening. He loved spending time with his family and friends and attending gatherings and events.

He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 3524 and Cooties Pup Tent #5, both in Carrington, American Legion Post 17 in Sykeston, ND, a member of Carrington Fire Dept., and Knights of Columbus.

Jim is survived by three daughters, Sheri (Larry) Nelson, and Vikki (Gary) Sondag, both of Carrington, ND, Eileen (John) Rick, Sheyenne, ND; three sons, Robert (Marlene) Smith, Doug (Jenean) Smith, both of Carrington, ND, Tom (Judy) Smith, Eaton, CO; one daughter-in-law, Gigi Smith, Shelbina, MO; twenty four grandchildren and thirty one great-grandchildren; and one sister, Janet (Keith) Spencer, Arcadia, AC.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean; one son, Danny; and his parents; one brother, John and his wife, Violet; and one sister Aylene Baldwin and her husband, John.

 


Funeral Service: Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Carrington, ND

Date and Time: Thursday, February 19, 2009 @ 10:30 AM

Interment: Carrington Cemetery



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