James L. Smith
April 05, 2011
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Service Details
James Laverne Smith, 80, of Polk City, died peacefully on Tuesday, April 5, 2011, at Taylor House Hospice. Jim was born on February 18, 1931, on the family farm in Des Moines, Iowa, to Theodore and Lucille Smith.
After graduating from Ankeny High School, he served in the Korean War from 1951-1953. In 1956, he married the love of his life, Norma Jean Rose. He worked at North Polk Schools for 25 years, was a member of the Polk City Fire Department for 40 years, and loved dancing and gardening.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Norma; daughter, Janice; parents, Lucille and Theodore; and his siblings, Wesley, Charlene, Howard, and Larry. He is survived by his children, Dotty Tysseling of Des Moines, Susan (Doug) Beckett, Vicky Schultz and Jimmy Smith all of Polk City; seven granddaughters; and seven great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, April 7, 2011, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, in Des Moines. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m., Friday, April 8, 2011, at the funeral home, with burial to follow at Hillsdale Cemetery in Madrid, Iowa.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Polk City Fire Department, in loving memory of Jim.
Online condolences may be made to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Lola (Smith) Angell
04/07/2011
Dear Dotty, Susan, Vicky and Jimmy, I am so very sorry for your loss. My first thought when I heard was "he's dancing with Charlene again." The last time I spoke to your Dad he told me he had not been dancing since Charlene died. I can imagine a wonderfully happy reunion with your Mom, his parents and all of his brothers and of course Charlene. I know you will miss him terribly. I am mailing a card to the funeral home with a small check for the Fire Department. I had intended to attend the visitation tonight, but have the beginning of a cold coming on, so am sorry I won't make it.
God Bless you all,
Lola
Kathy McCombs
04/07/2011
Susie, Vicky and Jimmy
My deepest sympathy at the loss of your dad. We have many fond memories of Jim. I especially remember the times he came into the bank with his homemade popcorn balls - the Best! We anxiously waited for them every Halloween. Memories of his teasings at the bank are also remembered as well as so many other memories. May God comfort you with fond memories and what a great dad he was during this grieving process.
God bless..
Robert & Tammie Harris
04/07/2011
Our Sympathies to all of you. Like so many Jim has left us with a lot of memories. Through his years of employment at North Polk and me personally with always dancing the Polka with me. (Not many left who can dance like Jim).
Love
Robert & Tammie
Joe & Sharon Scott
04/06/2011
Jim's Family,
We now live in Arizona but heard about your father's death and wanted to let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Sharon worked at NP High School for years and we always enjoyed Jim's humor and friendship.
With Regards:
Joe & Sharon Scott
Vicki Bertagnolli (Wright)
04/05/2011
Jimmy,Susie and Vicky,
I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you all as you go through your father's death. I have lost both of my parents now and it is a very hard thing to accept,but I know Jim is smiling down on us from above with the rest of the Polk City people who have went before us. They are all in such a better place than we are. Hang in there and remember all the good times who had together. Your dad was a great man.Very dedicated to what he loved the most. I do remember that. Take care and God bless you all.