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James Franklin "Jim" Smith, 96, of Shawnee, Okla., entered his heavenly rest on November 11, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend to many, he leaves behind a legacy of faith, integrity, and humble service.
Jim was the loving, devoted husband of 55 years to Virginia Lee Dame Smith, whom he cherished throughout their life together.
Born on August 28, 1929, in Wewoka, Okla,, Jim was one of eight children born to Charles Edward and Merle Ethel Smith. Affectionately known as Jim his entire life, he eventually settled in Shawnee, where he built a life centered on faith, family, and service.
He graduated from Shawnee High School and earned his degree from Oklahoma Baptist University in 1959, where his Christian faith was shaped and strengthened. Jim dedicated 34 years of loyal service to Tinker Air Force Base. After retiring, he continued working hard and building relationships in the community by delivering a rural paper route for the Shawnee News-Star. Later in life, he started Jim's shoe shine stand bringing his warm spirit and dependable work ethic to a role that connected him with many. He shined shoes in the lobby of Arvest Bank in Shawnee, where customers quickly grew fond of him. For several years, every summer, he also attended the International Youth Finals Rodeo in Shawnee as a vendor, shining shoes for guests and participants from across the country. A man devoted to serving others,
Jim was a charter member of Shawnee Kiwanis Club. He served as president from 1984 to 1985 and proudly represented the organization as lieutenant governor from 1991 to 1992. Jim's faith was the foundation of his life. A dedicated member of Liberty Baptist Church, he was recently honored as the church's oldest living member. One of his most cherished callings was teaching his Sunday school class. Jim spent countless hours studying Scripture, preparing lessons, and encouraging others in their walk with Christ. His passion for God's Word and his desire to share it touched countless lives.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers: David, Dr. Charles, Bob, Weldon, and Bill Smith.
Jim is survived by his wife, Virginia, his children, Elizabeth Gilchrist of Tennessee, James F. Smith Jr. of Shawnee, and his daughter, Tammy Poyer of Shawnee, along with her husband, Reid. He is also survived by his grandchildren who called him "papaw", his most treasured name: Michille, Connor, Chris, Khalid, Dustin, Trey, Garrison, and Emma, as well as eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Dale, and his sister, Mary Ann McKeithan, and several nieces and nephews.
After 96 remarkable years, Jim's presence will be missed more than words can express. Yet there is comfort in knowing he has been welcomed into the presence of his Savior - reunited with loved ones and greeted with the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, November 22 at 11 a.m. at Liberty Baptist Church in Shawnee. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim's memory to Shawnee Kiwanis Club, P.O. Box 1733, Shawnee, OK 74802.
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