(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)James Leo Smith, known to many as Jim, entered the Kingdom of Heaven at the age of 85, on March 16, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones, following unexpected complications from surgery.
Jim was born on July 1, 1940, to John K. and Juanita E. Smith in a one-bedroom house in Diamond, Missouri. Growing up, Jim developed a love of baseball and farming, but most of all, he is remembered for the deep love he had for his beloved wife, Joyce Marie Smith, and his family.
He met Joyce when she worked at a local diner in Diamond and quickly fell in love. Jim and Joyce were married on July 20, 1959, and shared 66 loving years of marriage. Together, they were blessed with four children, thirteen grandchildren, and 31 great-grandchildren.
Jim’s life can be summed up in James 1:19: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” He was a quiet man, but in his quietness, he saw people for who they truly were. He cared deeply, loved generously, and lived with kindness, patience, and gentleness – always protective of his family.
Jim was a devoted man of faith who served as a deacon and treasurer of the Calvary Baptist Church in Joplin and later as a deacon at First Baptist Church of Crane. He was an experienced carpenter and builder and owner of J. L. Smith and Co. He was also an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and tending to his cows, while reveling in God’s creation on the farm.
Jim’s life can be summed up in James 1:19: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” He was a quiet man, but in his quietness, he saw people for who they truly were. He cared deeply, loved generously, and lived with kindness, patience, and gentleness – always protective of his family.
Jim was a devoted man of faith who served as a deacon and treasurer of the Calvary Baptist Church in Joplin and later as a deacon at First Baptist Church of Crane. He was an experienced carpenter and builder and owner of J. L. Smith and Co. He was also an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and tending to his cows, while reveling in God’s creation on the farm.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Marie Smith; his children, Trudy and her husband Rick Holland of Joplin, Tammie and her husband Philip Costa of Billings, James Smith and his fiancée Mary of Aurora, and Mike and his wife Barbara Smith of Montana; his grandchildren, Laura, Sarah and Erin, Dereck, Gabe, Elaina and her husband Adam, Justin and his fiancée Melissa, Jeremey, Alex, Nick and his wife Katelyn, Jacob & his wife Brittany, Kelsie and her fiancé Cody, Mikayla & her husband Bryce, and Emma Smith; as well as 31 great-grandchildren.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, John & Juanita Smith; his brother, Walter (Buddy) Smith and sister, Kay Morgan.
Funeral services have been scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 23, 2026 at the Crane First Baptist Church in Crane, MO. Burial will follow at Mars Hill Cemetery just outside of Crane. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon at the funeral home.
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