James Smith

JAMES DEWAYNE SMITH James Dewayne Smith was born Sunday, March 21, 1971 in Lebanon, Missouri to John Dewayne and Linda (Norris) Smith. He departed this life Sunday, September 19, 2010 at the age of thirty-nine years, five months and twenty-eight days. James was raised in Climax Springs where he attended school, graduating in May of 1989. Later in the fall of 1989, James joined the United States Army and served in Operation Desert Storm. He also served in Germany, Turkey, and Somalia. He was stationed state-side at Fort Campbell Kentucky. James loved the outdoors, going hunting and fishing, and had a zest for life. He enjoyed most if not all sporting events, football, baseball, basketball and liked going to his cousin's, Mike Moppin's, truck pulls. James is survived by his companion, Tammy Wood and their son Carter James Smith, of Alton, Illinois; his sons, Dakota John Smith and Wyatt Gene Smith and their mom Jamie Smith, all of Godfrey, Illinois, and Mason Thomas Mudd, whom he considered his fourth son, who is also of Alton, Illinois; he is also survived by his parents John and Linda Smith and brother Luke Smith all of Climax Springs; nephews, Gage, Cole and Gesse Smith; his paternal grandmother, Lena Pearl Walters and maternal grandmother, Lola Easley; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and a host of friends, considered by James as family. James' MOS in the military was transportation and he was a professional truck driver by trade, hauling for Reagent, Mike Polo Trucking, and Huellinghoff Brothers. James and Tammy had recently attended James' class reunion at Climax Springs and enjoyed visiting with classmates and teachers. He loved life and laughter, enjoyed friends and family and he was especially proud of his four boys. He was a loving father, son, brother, cousin, nephew, grandson and companion and was a caring neighbor and friend. Although his life was too brief, he touched many lives and his memory will live on. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m., Thursday, September 23, 2010 in Ozark Bethel Chapel Assembly of God Church, Climax Springs, Missouri. Burial will follow in Grainger Cemetery, Climax Springs. Visitation will be from 12:30-2:30p.m., Thursday in the church. Memorial donations may be made to a fund established to assist in the education of James' sons or to the Burns Recovered Support Group for Missouri Children's Burn Camp and left at the funeral home or the church the day of the service. Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Camdenton.