James O. Smith, age 70
Of Newton, IL passed away at 4:45 PM – Friday, January 20, 2012 at his home surrounded by his family. Arrangements are incomplete at this time. Blake-Buchanan Funeral Home in Newton, IL is helping the family with arrangements.Of Newton, IL passed away at 4:45 PM – Friday, January 20, 2012 at his home surrounded by his family. Funeral services celebrating James' life will be held at 12:00 PM Saturday, January 28, 2012 at the New Life Christian Center in Newton, IL. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery in Newton, IL. Visitation will be held 2 hour before the service at the church. Memorials may be made to the family. The obituary can be viewed and condolences left at www.blakefh.com.
James was born on September 15, 1941 in Bogota, IL the son of Kenneth C. and Mildred (Grove) Smith. James married Betty Russell on January 3, 1994 and she survives. James worked at the Robinson Pottery, worked with his brother trucking for 15 years at Bekin's Trucking and retired from the Jasper County Country Club. James enjoyed camping, spending time with his children and grandchildren, watching John Wayne Movies and listening to country music "when it was country music".
James is survived by: Wife of 18 years Betty Smith of Newton, IL His children- Roy (Lori) Cavazos of Palestine, IL; Danny (Billie) Cavazos of Hidalgo, IL; Teresa (Nick) DiBeasi of Willow Hill, IL; Kevin (Debbie) Smith of Landes, IL and Cyndi Goss (Bryan Bower) of Wheeler, IL. Faithful companion dog Tubby.
Siblings- Bonnie (Lawrence) Sparks of Newton, IL; Linda Lingafelter of Willow Hill, IL; Kenneth (Carol) Smith of Naples, FL; Paulette (Dennis) Ebeling of Newton, IL and Crissie (Terry) Park of Salem, IL.
14 Grandchildren

James was preceded in death by his parents, baby sister Brenda Sue Smith and Brother in law Larry Lingafelter.