Jim A. Smith

James A. "Jim" Smith, 73, of Parsons, passed away at 7:05 a.m., Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at his home.

The oldest of nine children, he was born September 5, 1945 in Kansas City, Kansas to Ernest and Mary (DeJaegher) Smith. Jim grew up on a farm in rural Olathe, Kansas where he attended a one-room schoolhouse through eighth grade. He graduated from Olathe High School and in 1968 earned a Bachelor of Science degree as an honor student from Emporia State University.

On September 2, 1967, he and Susan Ferguson were married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Emporia.

In 1969, he was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served his country in Vietnam. Upon his honorable discharge in 1971, he was awarded a Bronze Star for his meritorious service.

In 1976, his family moved to Parsons where he joined as partner in the accounting firm of Stafford, Prier and Reichert Chartered CPA's until retiring on January 1, 2018.

He was a member of the former St. Mary's Catholic Church in Parsons, now St. Patrick's, and was a 4th degree charter member of the Knights of Columbus. He also was a life member of the Knights of Columbus, served two years as a Grand Knight, and also served on the church finance committee from 1976-2018. Jim was a Muzzleloader, enjoyed reloading shells, hunting deer and quail, farming, planting native grass, sharing his knowledge of tractors, and researching genealogy. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and attending their activities.

Survivors include:

His Wife – Susie Smith of the home

Four Sons – Christopher Smith (Shelli) of Parsons, KS

John Smith of Parsons, KS

Rusty Smith (Amy) of Blue Springs, MO

Bradley Smith of Parsons, KS

One Daughter – Monica Ong (Robert) of Parsons, KS

Twelve Grandchildren

One Great-Granddaughter

Four Brothers – Jerry Smith of Paola, KS

Frank Smith of New York

Tom Smith of De Soto, KS

Bill Smith of Gardner, KS

Three Sisters – Judy Coday of Shawnee, KS

Rose Smith of Gardner, KS

Susie Richardson of Edgerton, KS

Numerous Nieces and Nephews

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister, Mary Jane Smith.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, January 18, 2019 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Parsons. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Parsons. The rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. The family will receive friends immediately following the rosary at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to St. Patrick's Catholic Church. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.