James M. Smith

Oct. 3, 1937 – April 27, 2021

Posted

James Milton Smith was born Oct. 3, 1937, in Portland, Oregon and passed away April 27, 2021, in Lincoln, at the age of 83 years, 6 months and 24 days. Jim was adopted by Mildred Adams and was raised in McMinnville, Oregon.

Jim attended McMinnville High School, where he graduated with the Class of 1955. He then attended several different colleges until he moved to Bellevue, Washington, where he owned a tavern for a few years. He moved back to McMinnville where he met Sharon and they both attended Portland State University. Jim graduated with an accounting degree. He worked at Midway Nursery in the accounting department and held several positions for the next 15 years.

Jim and Sharon were married in 1983. He was a great golfer and had the privilege of playing golf with several professional golfers. He loved working in their yard and doing landscaping. One yard had a Japanese theme where he even built a Koi pond. He loved to barbeque and try new recipes. Jim also enjoyed playing bridge and he became a Life Master in 2008. He played in a bridge group in Lincoln as well. The couple moved to Seward in 2013 to be closer to Sharon’s daughter.

He was preceded in death by Mildred Adams.

Survivors cherishing his memory include his wife, Sharon Smith, Seward; stepdaughter, Kitty Vacha, Seward; stepson, Jason Cowherd, McMinnville, Oregon; grandchildren, Sophia and wife, Staci Machado, Prineville, Oregon, Zachary Vacha, Lincoln.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Smith family for future designations. Condolences may be left for the family at www.zabkafuneralhome.com.