James Ray “Jim” Smith was born on July 28, 1950 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma to Harold Earnest and Rowena May (Spalding) Smith. He passed away Friday June 10, 2022 at the age of 71 while enjoying one of his favorite past times, playing the slots at River Spirit Casino.
Jim was reared and educated in Tulsa, Oklahoma where he graduated from McClain High School with the Class of 1969. While in High School Jim enrolled in the on-site Tulsa Tech program where he learned to program machinery. With his knowledge Jim completely rebuilt and machined the parts for his 1957 Chevrolet.
Shortly after graduation, Jim joined the United States Navy and served as a Machinist Mate on aircraft carrier USS Shangri-La during the Vietnam War. After his discharge in 1973 Jim worked for a short period at The Tulsa World and Tribune with his father. He later began his career with T.D. Williamson and retired after 40+ years on July 31, 2014 as a Senior NC Programmer.
Jim was very proud of his grandchildren’s achievements and enjoyed attending their sporting events. In addition to going to Casinos, his other interests and past times were working on and rebuilding cars, auto racing, remodeling homes, working in his yard, fishing, camping, taking trips with his parents and sisters around the United States, going on cruises and spending time in Florida at the beach during the Winter months.
Jim had a huge heart and was a devoted, loving son to his mother and father. He was also very outgoing, never met a stranger, and created lasting relationships with those he met. Among those he leaves behind who hold many cherished memories are his Daughter, Kimberly Lee Nabb and husband Ian, Granddaughter Chloe Nabb and Grandson Braden Nabb both of Tulsa; Sisters: Judy Kimm of Blue Eye, Missouri and Sharon Carnahan and husband Barry of Richardson, Texas; Longtime Personal Friend Billy Glen of Bonita Springs, Florida; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and many other family and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Trudie Wilson of Laguna Niguel, California.
Private graveside services for family was held at Stokes Cemetery in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. A Celebration of Life for family and friends was held at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday June 18, 2022 at Chuy’s Mexican Restaurant.
