Obituary of James Earl Smith

"Big Jim" 92 Yrs of East St. Paul February 6, 1920 ~ July 12, 2012 WWII Veteran, Bronze Star & Purple Heart. Married 53 yrs to loving wife Helen Bernice (Rooney) who preceded Jim in death with son James Terrance; parents Earl & Ruble Smith; sisters Mary Jane & Marjorie. Survived by daughter Mari Smith McClafferty; sons Patrick Earl (Jeannie), Joseph Stephen (Rebecca), Terrance Michael (Brenda); 12 grandchildren Michael, Leigh Rachelle, Jeff, Colleen, Sean, Sarah, Colin, Taylor, Natasha, Danielle, Karin & Greg; 11 great-grandchildren Hannah, Jack, Hunter, Audrey, Kaleigh, Elianna, Tayte, Jocelyn, Alex, Owen & Brody. Raised near Como Lake, Jim had a passion for riding motorcycles. He owned Indians, Harleys and a Honda. Jim worked for Hamm's Brewery for close to 50 yrs. In 1986 when he retired as Financial Secretary, the Mayor of St. Paul proclaimed it "Jim Smith Day" for his years of service without sick leave. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1725 Kennard St., Maplewood at 10:30AM on Monday, July 16th, with visitation one hour prior to Mass at the Church. Burial to follow with honor guard service at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. "We'll always love & miss you. Your spirit will live on."