January 12, 1938 - June 21, 2018
James Kenneth Smith, 80, of Stockton, CA passed away peacefully on June 21, 2018 after a three-year courageous fight with kidney cancer.
Jim was was born in Vendor, Arkansas, the loving son of James and Ova Smith. Known to his family as “Buddy,” he was the eldest of 7 children. The Smith family moved to California in 1945. Jim was a high school graduate of Stockton College, and also completed his Associate Degree from Stockton College where he majored in the HVAC Industry. On Feb. 13, 1959, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Martha Harmon, the love of his life. During their 59 yers of marriage, they raised three daughters. In 1972, Jim founded Smith Heating and Air with his partner, Kurt Smith, where he became known for his integrity and superior workmanship. He was an avid outdoorsman; enjoying hunting and fishing with his grandsons. Jim always looked forward to his annual hunting trips to Colorado and enjoyed trips to Monterey golfing with friends. He was a past member of the Stockton Houndsmen Association, and a current member of the Linden Lions Club and Linden Athletic Boosters Club.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Martha, of 59 years; his daughters Karen Lagorio (Richard), Kathy Thomas, Kim Sanchez; his 7 grandchildren Melissa Thomas, Courtney, James, and Michael Lagorio, Amanda McCoy, Maria and Vanessa Sanchez; his great-grandson Jiovanni Belmar; and his five siblings Lula Calkins (Jack), Donald (Pete) Smith, Joyce Bush (Harry), Doris Powers (Mike), and Carylon Criner (Eddie). Jim leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his younger brother Denver Eugene Smith. Also, preceding Jim were his beloved in-laws, Mr. and Mrs. Horace Harmon. He will always be remembered by his family and many friends as an exceptionally kind-hearted, hard-working man who loved farming, golfing, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family.
VISITATION
Visitation will be held Wednesday June 27, 2018 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Cherokee Memorial Park Evergreen Chapel, Harney Lane at Hwy 99, Lodi, CA 95240.
SERVICE
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 28 at 10:00 am in Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd in Lodi.
Jim’s family request any contributions in his memory be made to the Linden Lions Club, P.O. Box 233, Linden, CA 95236 or the: Linden-Peters Volunteer Firefighter Association, 17725 E Hwy 26, Linden, CA 95236.