James E. "Jim" Smith

James E. "Jim" Smith of Cuba, Missouri, was born on April 24, 1939, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to James E. and Doris (Mudge) Smith. He passed away January 15, 2025, at the age of 85.

Jim was united in marriage to Elvena Licklider on February 6, 1965, in Cuba, Missouri. Their union was blessed with two children, Pamela and James.

A dedicated veteran, Jim honorably served in the United States Army. Throughout his life, he owned and operated several businesses, including a donut shop, a catering service, a coffee distribution business, and later James Smith Distributing. Jim attended Deer Creek Church and enjoyed various outdoor activities such as camping, boating, and fishing. He took great pride in maintaining a beautiful lawn, gardening, and cherishing moments spent with family and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James E. and Doris (Mudge) Smith-Thorpe; his step-father, Leslie Thorpe; his brother, Ronald James Smith; his wife, Shirley Smith; and his sister-in-law, Carolyn Marquis.

He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-nine years, Elvena Smith; his two children, Pamela (Patrick Darmody) of Arnold, and James E. (Leann Smith) of Cuba; and four grandchildren, Sarah Darmody and friend Tommy Lucchesi, Allison Darmody and fiancé Ty Stevenson, Kristen Smith, and Nick Smith. He also leaves behind brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Don and wife Marilyn Licklider of St. James, Linda and husband Jim Turner of Rolla, Carleen and husband Kenny Killeen of Cuba, Linette and husband Tom Marshall of Rolla, and Annette and husband Terry Pruitt of St. James; along with a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many friends who will remember him fondly.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Mizell Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Tommy Miller officiating.

Interment with military honors will take place at Meramec Hills Cemetery in Cuba, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family or Deer Creek Church, P.O. Box 58, Cuba, Missouri 65453.

The Mizell Funeral Home of Cuba is honored to serve the family of James E. Smith.