James D. Smith

James D. Smith, 80, of Van Wert, passed away Friday afternoon, March 6, 2020, at Van Wert Manor.

He was born July 21, 1939, in Van Wert, the son of Glenn O. and Irene (Munday) Smith, who both preceded him in death. On February 6, 1965, he married the former Marcia Droll, who survives.

Other survivors include his daughter, Michele (Mark) Hiegel of Van Wert; and two sons, J.D. (Jennifer) Smith of Van Wert and Craig (Aida) Kroeger.

He was also survived by eight grandchildren, C.J. Hiegel, Courtney (Craig) Feasby, Colin Smith, Carly Smith, Carson Smith, Drew Dillion, Mia Kroeger, and Noah Kroeger; seven great-grandchildren, Cash Hiegel, Braylon Parrish, Keller and Asher Hiegel, Cooper and Callahan Feasby, and Jack Dillion; a sister, Barbara (Ned) Runyon of Wolcottville, Indiana; a sister-in-law, Julie (Tom) Rupert of Van Wert; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by three brothers, Bill, Glenn Jr., and Richard Smith; and four sisters, Marjorie Anderson, Bonnie Pollock, Eythel May Shell, and Eileen Brievogel.

Jim was a 1957 graduate of Van Wert High School. He had served in the U.S. Army and the United States Secret Service. He retired from Kennedy Manufacturing in Van Wert. The highlight of Jim’s life was his salvation in Jesus Christ. He was a long-time member of Calvary Evangelical Church in Van Wert and the Builders Sunday School Class, which he had served as class president. He enjoyed racing harness horses and was an inductee in the Ohio Bowling Hall of Fame. He was an avid fan of the Cleveland Indians and the Browns and the Ohio State University Buckeyes. He was so very proud of his grandchildren and supported their sports and other activities.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 10, at Calvary Evangelical Church, with Pastor Clark Williman officiating. 

Visitation is from 2-8 p.m. Monday, March 9, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home in Van Wert, and an hour prior to the service Tuesday at the church.

Preferred memorials: Calvary Evangelical Church.

Condolences may be expressed at cowanfuneralhome.com.