James L Smith

James L. Smith, 85 of Massillon, passed away Thursday, October 13, 2016. James was born on July 3, 1931 in Massillon, the son of the late Leon and Thelma (Haer) Smith. He was a 1950 Washington High School graduate. Jim was in the United States Army Corp. of Engineers from 1953 to 1955 stationed at Camp Gordon, GA then he went into the Army Reserves. He worked for the former Carpenters Local Union #69 where he was an officer. Jim worked for Bogners Construction and Schumacher Construction before retiring in 1996. He also had his own contractor license and built houses and did remodeling. Jim really enjoyed woodworking projects in his work shop. He was a former board member of the United Way. Over the years Jim built many handicap wheel chair ramps as a volunteer. He was an avid reader and gardener. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his son, Danny Smith, sister, Judy Johr, brother, Harold Smith, sister-in-law, Betty Smith and brother-in-law, Frank Ohm. He is survived by his wife Shirley (Grasse) Smith whom he shared 60 years of marriage; daughter, Tammy R. Smith; brothers, Howard Smith, Ed (Linda) Smith, and Robert Smith; sisters, Carolyn Albrecht, Linda (Jerry) Reamer, Elaine Ohm and Shirley (Terry) Griffith; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. A Celebration of Jim's Life will be held on Monday, October 17, 2016 at 11a.m. at the Paquelet Funeral Home. Burial will follow in East Union Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 4- 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association.