James A Smith

James A. Smith of Anchorage, Alaska died Nov. 10, 2022. He was born in Ontario, Oregon, May 31, 1934. At age 10 he started work as a cowboy on the family cattle ranch in Eastern Oregon. He met his wife of 50 years, Karen, in Baker Oregon. He joined the Air Force from 1954 through 1958. He loved airplanes, as much as cowboying. When he left the service, he became an aircraft mechanic working for PNA, Western, then Delta. In 1965, he moved his family to Alaska hoping to get a job working on airplanes. Alaska answered his call for adventure. He loved camping and fishing and touring the state with his family and grandchildren. He was a caring, thoughtful and generous father who, whether it was bringing in the hay before the rain; or helping to build a log cabin in the rain, was always willing to lend a hand. We could count on him. He is preceded in death by his wife Karen Smith, and his two brothers Rod Smith of Eugene, Oregon and Jerry Smith of Gothenburg, Nebraska. His survivors are his three sons Andy Smith and his wife Vivian of Palmer, Dan Smith and his wife Arlitia Jones, and Pete Smith of Anchorage, as well as 5 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren who were his pride and joy. He is also survived by his close friend Carolyn Hollar as well as many well-loved relatives and cherished long-time friends. He will be forever our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend. A memorial service and reception will be held at the First Christian Church in Anchorage at 11 a.m. on Saturday Nov. 26, 2020. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made to the Salvation Army, or a charity close to your heart.