Jim D Smith, Sr. was born November 7, 1932, to Clinton and Ivy (Lasiter) Smith in Rising Star, Texas. He passed on September 19, 2025, in Lovington, New Mexico at the age of 92. He grew up in the West Texas area alongside his brother Clinton Smith and his sister Maxine Wilson.

After high school he met Leola "Lee" Hunt, and they married January 21, 1951. He joined the Department of Air Force serving at several US bases and in Africa as an aircraft maintenance technician, reaching the rank of Staff Sargeant. During his time in the military, he and Lee welcomed two sons, Jim D. "Doug" Smith, Jr., and Foy Dean Smith. After his Honorable Discharge, Jim was a commercial truck driver and was proud to say he traveled each state in the contiguous United States. Lee preceded Jim in death on July 28, 1995.

Jim was instrumental in starting the first Buyer's Breakfast, which has continued with great success through today. He also worked at the Lea County Livestock Sale working as a ring man. Jim was President of a club formed by parents and leaders to contact prospective supporters of the Livestock Sale. Over the years sales have risen from $20,000 to over $1,000,000. Jim was Sheep Superintendent for 10 years during the 70's and 80's.

Jim was blessed to meet Kay Ellison, and they married on February 22, 2001, sharing 24 loving years together.

Jim enjoyed being a hot air balloon pilot, fishing and welding his treasured horseshoe crosses sharing them with family and friends. Jim loved the Lord, lived life to the fullest and is a friend to all.

Preceding Jim in death were his parents, his first wife, an infant daughter (Peggy Lee), his sister and brother.

Survivors include his wife: Kay Smith of Lovington; Doug and Alana Smith of Hobbs and their children: Shaun Smith and Casey of Hobbs, Laura Smith of Las Cruces, Katelyn (KK) and Trey Gonsalez of Carlsbad, Abby and Cameron Bauer of Las Cruces. Steve and Russell Ellison of Dallas, and their daughter Jami and Steven Incontrera of Dallas, Mike and Debbie Ellison of Andrews, and their children Kade and Whitney Ellison of Andrews, Ky and Diana Ellison of Andrews, Kree Ellison of Odessa, and Kambree and Nick Garza of Odessa. Jim and Kay shared a beautiful family of 17 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jackson Avenue Baptist Church, your local church or a charity of choice.

Visitation will be Thursday, September 25 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Kirby-Ratliff Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be Friday, September 26, 2025, at 1:00 pm at Jackson Avenue Baptist Church in Lovington, NM followed by burial at the Plains Cemetery in Plains, Texas.

Condolences may be sent to www.kirbysmithrogers.com.