James Edward "Jim" Smith 1927-2014
Jim dedicated the last 30 years of his life to Christian ministry. He was a licensed minister and founder of Faded Blue Jeans Ministry, Inc. The ministry, supported by wife Lois along with good friends John and Edith Ferguson, daughter and son-in-law Trudy and Hank Rodriguez and numerous dedicated volunteers, introduces a faith based "12 Steps to Freedom" correspondence program to prison inmates throughout Texas and the United States. Faded Blue Jeans received the State of Texas "Governor's Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award" in 2006 and continues to provide hope and encouragement to thousands incarcerated. Jim was a proud and loving father, grandfather and great grandfather to daughter Trudy & (Hank) Rodriguez, family includes grandson Ryan Matthews (great-grandsons Jake, Garrett, Dylan and KiKi Matthews), Granddaughter Amanda Mitchell and Step-Granddaughter and husband Shelly & Steve Fletcher. Son Ralph & (Peggy) Smith, family includes granddaughter Devon Smith and step-granddaughters Donna & (Rusty) Tarver, Lee Ann Scarnato (step-great grandsons Christopher & Daniel). Daughter Susie & (John) Thompson, family includes grandson Max & (Terrah) Thompson and (great-granddaughters Carson & Merritt) and grandsons Alex and Rex Thompson. Son Hank & (Georgia) Smith family includes grandsons Greg, Adam and Wade Smith.
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James Edward (Jim) Smith age 87 went home to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 1, 2014. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his wife Lois of 66 years and four children, Trudy Rodriguez, Ralph Smith, Susie Thompson and Hank & Georgia Smith. Jim was born in Neodesha Kansas and was preceded in death by parents Ralph and Flora Smith along with his younger brother Jack Smith.