Jim Dale Smith

Jim Dale Smith, 72, of rural Oakwood, IL, passed away on Saturday, September 10, 2011 at 9:40pm at the Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL. He was born on August 3, 1939 in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of Jacob G. and Hazel Ruth (Handley) Smith. Both deceased. Jim lived his early years in Jefferson, Iowa, graduating from Jefferson High School. He moved to Illinois to help build Interstate 74, in the Fithian, Oakwood area. This is where he met the girl who later became his wife of 51 plus years. Jim and Dorothy Faye Lane were married on Aug 3, 1960 in Champaign, IL, she survives along with their three children; Jerry Dale (Kelly) Smith of Henning, IL, Gary Lee Smith of rural Oakwood, IL and Debra Faye Lukens of Plainfield, IL. His six grandchildren, two brothers; Jack (Linda) Smith of Bayard, Iowa; Ronnie Smith of Jefferson, Iowa, and one sister; Janet Scheuermann of Bagley, Iowa also survive him. In addition to his parents; his brother; Edwin Smith, and his brother-in-law, Larry Scheuermann also preceded Jim in death. He attended the South Side Church of the Nazarene located in Tilton, IL, where he taught Sunday school until his previous strokes two years ago enabled him to continue. Spending time with his family and teaching was the passion of his life. He enjoyed teaching his Sunday school class, which he loved with all his heart. Jim also enjoyed fishing, and watching and rooting for the Bears, Cubs, and the Fighting Illini. Jim, having been confined to a wheel chair for the past two years, promised a dear friend in his Sunday school class, that he would be walking by the end of December 2011. Today, Jim is walking on the streets of Gold in Heaven. He will be truly missed by all that knew him. A Celebration of Jim's Life is scheduled for 10:00am on Thursday, September 15, 2011 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home, located at 3940 N. Vermilion Street in Danville with burial to follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Oakwood. Pastor Jay Sorrell has been asked to officiate, along with Pastor Tom Weller, and Pastor Kent Pitcher. Visitation for family and friends will be from 4-8pm on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the Smith family has asked that any donation be made to the South Side Church of the Nazarene in Jim's name, which is located at 1629 King Street in Tilton. Please join Jim's family in sharing memories, photos and videos of his Life thru his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com