James W. Smith

James W. Smith, age 89, of Waco, passed away from this life to be with the Lord late Sunday evening, December 14, 2014 at Providence Hospice Place in Waco. Graveside services will be held 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at Gerald Cemetery near Leroy, with Rev. Dan Malone officiating. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West. James was born December 15, 1924 in Dawson, the son of Johnny O. and Gertrude A. (Prater) Smith. He attended schools in Dawson and Waco. James entered the United States Army at the age of 18 and served during World War II with the 271st Engineer Battalion under General Patton. During the Korean War, he joined the United States Air Force and served in China, the Phillipines and many other places. On November 6, 1943, James was united in marriage to Marie Casey in Waco. Marie preceded him in death in April of 1985. He was then united in marriage to Almeda (Morton) Nickens on April 12, 2004 in Hillsboro. James operated the family farm for most of his life. He also worked for International Harvester in Waco and Ft. Worth for a number of years. James was a member of the Landmark Baptist Church in Waco. He enjoyed dancing, Working on the farm, gardening, and especially spending time with family. James is also preceded in death by his parents; three sons, Jimmy E. Smith, Richard Smith and Johnny Smith; and a daughter, Anita Pack. Survivors include his beloved wife of 10 years, Almeda Smith of Waco; a daughter, Alice Moore and husband Mike of Waco; a step daughter, Mary McDow and husband Eddie of Waco; a step son, Dee Links of Lubbock; a brother, Gene Smith; a sister, Marie Fuller; 12 grandchildren; many great and great great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers will be James Pack, Charles Camp, Donald Smith, Ronnie Loper, Berry Smith and Nathan Smith. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Landmark Baptist Church in Waco.