James William Smith, 77 of Crowder died Saturday, April 29, 2023 at his residence.
The family will greet friend 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday at Bishop Funeral Service and Crematory.
Funeral Service will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at Crowder First Baptist Church officiated by Rev. Alvin Nixon. Burial will follow in Massey Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Curtis Roulain, Deaven Morrow, John Hardy, Jerry Vest, James Cook and Ron Gragg.
Honorary pallbearers will be former co-workers and employees of the Muskogee Bridge Company/Manhattan Road and Bridge Company.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
James was born to Jesse and Wanda (Jameson) Smith on August 2, 1945 in McAlester. He graduated from Crowder High School in 1963 and then attended Eastern Oklahoma State College.
James proudly served in the U.S. Air Force as a mechanic during Vietnam from 1965 to 1968 and was honorably discharged in May of 1971.
He married Patsy "Pat" Ruth Blankenship on January 31, 1970 in Antlers. They were married for over 48 years before her death in 2019. They had a caring relationship, based on mutual support and a deep love for each other.
James co-founded the Muskogee Bridge Company in 1970 and worked as foreman for 39 years, retiring in 2009.
James was a kind and caring person who enjoyed life and loved to spend time with his family and many friends. He especially enjoyed golf outings with his good friends, John Hardy and Jerry Vest.
His granddaughters were the pride and joy of James life. He shared their passion for sports and loved to watch them compete. James also enjoyed watching westerns.
He was a member of Crowder First Baptist Church.
James is now reunited with his parents, Jesse and Wanda Smith; wife, Pat Smith; son, James Bradley Smith; brothers, Rick Smith, Fred Smith and David Smith; step sister, Betty Atwood.
He is survived by son, David Smith and Julie Schmoldt of Norman; daughter, Maleana Roulain and husband, Curtis of Crowder; granddaughters, Kristin Morrow and husband, Deaven of Hartshorne, Kylie Smith of Crowder; brother, Curtis Smith and wife, Brenda of Crowder, sister, Nancy Griggs of Crowder; step brothers, Kenneth McMennamy and wife, Jettie, Jerry McMennamy and wife, Louise; numerous nieces, nephews, other family and many friends.
