| Graduation Year | Class of 1939 |
| Date of Passing | Aug 19, 2008 |
| About | James William Smith, 87, died Aug. 19, 2008. Born Dec. 14, 1920 in Rushville, he was the son of James and Lillie (Pate) Smith, both deceased. He married Jeanette Cummings July 5, 1946; she survives. Mr. Smith was a 1939 graduate of Rushville High and entered the Marine Corps. During World War II he was a corporal and received a Purple Heart for wounds received in the Marianas Islands in June 1944. He was a USPS letter carrier and retired after 39 years. He was involved in many civic and fraternal organizations throughout his life. Memberships include Main Street Christian Church; Phoenix Lodge No. 62 F.&A.M. HSUR Shrine Club; Scottish Rite; Murat Shrine; American Legion; VFW; and Elks Lodge No. 1307. Survivors in addition to his wife include daughter, Karen Ann Smith of Rushville; and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by three brothers and one sister. Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Todd Funeral Home in Rushville with the Rev. Dena Vittorio and Pastor Mick Saunders officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. A Masonic service will be held this evening at the funeral home. Burial will be in Rushville's East Hill Cemetery following the funeral. |
