James Smith

Danville-James Merlyn Smith, 86 of Danville, IL passed away at 7:42 AM on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 at Pleasant View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Morrison, IL. He was born March 19, 1927 in Urbana, IL to George L. and Hazel Bartlett Smith. He married Lillian E. Johnson in Danville on November 1, 1947. She preceded him in death January 17, 2007. Also surviving are three sons, James M. Smith, Jr. of Long Beach, CA, John W. Smith (Wendy) of Bryn Mawr, PA, and Paul A. Smith (Janet) of Port Byron, IL; a brother George L. “Bud” Smith of Danville; a sister Pat Hughes of Perrysville, IN; and eight grandchildren, Michael (Inna) Smith, Rebekah Smith, Matthew (Erin) Smith, Wesley Smith, Mallory Smith, Joshua (Sarah) Smith, Jacob Smith, and Darla (Justin) Kerwin; and three great grandchildren, Scarlett, Claire, and Evelyn Smith. In addition to his wife he was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Earl Smith and four sisters, Lillian Marion, Mabel Wistock, Hazel Bahls, and Ruth Wascher. James was a graduate of Bismarck High School. He then went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Navy from 1945-1946. James was an operating engineer and member of IUOE Local 841. A service to celebrate the life of James Smith will be held at Sunset Funeral Home on Monday, September 30, 2013 at 10:00 AM. Grandson Joshua Smith will officiate. Burial will follow at Danville National Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM Sunday, September 29, also at Sunset in Danville. In place of flowers, memorials may be made in James name to the Lewy Body Dementia Association 912 Killian Hill Road, SW, Lilburn, GA 30047 www.lbda.org.