James E. Smith, 93, of Galion, passed away Tuesday evening, August 24, 2021, at Woodside Village Care Center in Mt. Gilead.
He was born July 21, 1928, in Galion and was the son of the late Wesley E. and Gertrude L. (Curfman) Smith. Jim is survived by his wife of 66 years, Erma L. (Barger) Smith whom he married on April 24, 1955.
He was a 1946 graduate of Galion High School. Jim proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korea Conflict. He was a Company Clerk and obtained the rank of Corporal. Jim received the Korean Service Medal, three Bronze Campaign Stars, and other Citations for his service.
He worked from 1947 to 1986 and retired as a Supervisor in the Division Payroll for the former Galion Iron Works and Dresser. After his retirement, Jim was employed part-time by the former Byrd Ambulance Service of Mansfield as a hearse and limousine driver from 1987 to 1992 and also by Epperson & Epperson DVM, aka Horizon Animal Hospital as a part-time bookkeeper from 1987 thru 1995.
He was a lifelong member of Peace Lutheran Church in Galion and served in many capacities including, Treasurer of the Sunday School, Chairman of Worship and Music Committee and Finance Chairman on church council, and Secretary-Treasurer of the Brotherhood (Men’s Club). Jim played in the Tri-County Church Dart ball League for 20 years and had been active with the former Galion Jaycees in the 1960s. He was also a member of the American Legion Scarbrough Post 243 of Galion and played Clarinet in the Legion Band for 20 years.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Vaughn E. (Betsy) Smith of Maumee, Ohio; daughter, Brenda E. (Gary) Neal of Galion; five grandchildren, Jenny (Jake) McGranahan of Waterville, Ohio, Jackie (Jay) Konold of Powell, Ohio, Ryan (Deseree) Neal of Findlay, Rachel (Andy) Roesch of Gas City, Indiana and Reanne Neal of Brooklyn, New York; seven great-grandchildren, Anderson, Addison & Anniston Roesch, Dylan and Jordan Konold and Kylie and Tyler Gerken; two step-great-grandchildren, Gabe and Emma McGranahan; sister, Phyllis E. Hanck of The Village, Florida; brother, C. Frederick (Zana-Marie) Smith of Flat Rock, North Carolina; sister-in-law, Evelyn LaRue of Willard and five nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday, August 30, 2021, at Richardson Davis Chapel of Snyder Funeral Homes, 218 South Market St., Galion, Ohio 44833 where services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday with Rev. Richard Genzman officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery.
Full military honors will be conducted by the United States Army and the Galion Crestline Veterans Military Funeral Detail.
Memorial contributions may be made to Peace Lutheran Church in care of the funeral home.
Richardson Davis Chapel of Snyder Funeral Homes in Galion is honored to serve the family of Jim Smith, and condolences may be made to them at SnyderFuneralHomes.com.