James Leotis “Smitty” Smith, 96, of Fillmore, Illinois, passed away Thursday, November 23, 2017, at his home in Fillmore, IL.
Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, November 28, 2017, at Northside Christian Church, Vandalia, IL with Pastor Curtis Sweeney officiating. Burial will follow at Edgewood Cemetery, Edgewood, IL, with Military Rites. Visitation will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday, November 27, 2017, at Northside Christian Church, Vandalia, IL and 1 hour before service Tuesday, at the Church. Memorials: Northside Christian Church, . Miller Funeral Home, Fillmore, IL, is in charge of arrangements. Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. millerfh.net.
He was born, June 15, 1921, in rural Edgewood, IL, the son of Samuel Robert & Grace (White) Smith. Married Ellen Ruth (Smalley) Haslett, September 2, 1985 in Vandalia, IL. Jimmy was in the Army Air Corp during World War II. After the war, he worked several places including Inland Steel, the Hammond, IN Fire Dept.. for 20 years, a diesel mechanic in Chicago, IL for 10 years and finally retired as a farmer on a small farm in Fillmore, IL James was a member of the Northside Christian Church, Vandalia, IL; Local 701, Chicago, IL and the VFW, Hillsboro, IL. He was a loving husband, father, grand & great grandfather and step-father. Most of all, he was a child of God.
He is survived by: Wife of 32 years – Ellen Ruth (Smalley) Haslett Smith, Fillmore, IL; Daughters – Janet Louise Smith, Cheryl Jo Dykstra and Sandra Lee Jacko; Son – James Dewey Smith; 9 – Grandchildren; 12 Great Grandchildren; 7 Step Children- Richard, David, Robert. Kenneth Haslett, Michelle Beck, Jerry & Joseph Haslett; 5 Step-Grandchildren; Step-Brother – Glen Eddleman.
Preceded in death by: Parents; Sisters – Nora & Ruby; Brother – Paul Edward Smith; Half Brothers – Bobby, Shirley, & Gail Smith