James Watts Smith

James Watts Smith

James Watts Smith, age 77, of Adams Friendship, WI passed away Sunday, September 1, 2024, at home surrounded by his family. He was born January 9, 1947, in Kenosha, WI the son of the late Arthur George and Viola (nèe Schlinske) Smith. On October 9, 1976, James married Bonnie Lynne Pruss at St. John Lutheran Church, Libertyville, IL. James loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed fishing, hunting, cutting wood, mowing lawn, playing Bunco, canning, and tending to his garden while living up at his cabin in Adams Friendship, WI. James was also a very active member of the Lions Club in Adams County, WI. He loved to crush cans, watch Gunsmoke, and was a die-hard Milwaukee Brewers fan. He enjoyed watching the Brewers, Packers & Badgers on TV. Above all, James cherished time spent with his family, girlfriend Mary, and especially his children and grandchildren. 

James is survived by his two daughters, Christine (Donald) Brooks of Lake Mills, WI and Jami (Joseph) Styx of Trevor, WI; his 5 grandchildren, Aubrey (Derek) Styles, Shea Crary, Samuel Brooks, Caden Brooks, Elijah Styx and 4 great-grandchildren, Callesta, Brayden, Javon, and Kavina Styles; his brother Wayne (Susie) Smith of Adams Friendship, WI; loving girlfriend of 15 years, Mary York; and many extended family, nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Bonnie, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Howard, Lloyd, Eleanor, Arlene & Doris. James will surely be missed by many.

Visitation was held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 12, 2024, and from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. with Funeral Services commenced at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 13, 2024, at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, 24300 W. Grass Lake Rd., Antioch, IL 60002. Interment immediately followed in Highland Memorial Park, Libertyville, IL. For additional information, call 847-395-4000. In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated in honor of James’ brother, Howard, to Highground Veterans Memorial Park, Neillsville, WI at www.thehighground.us. Should people want to send a check to The Highground Veterans Memorial please indicate in memo James Smith and send to PO Box 457, Neillsville WI 54456. Also, if you donate online, indicate in memory of James Smith. All are welcome to sign the online guestbook at www.strangfh.com.

A celebration of Life for James will also be held at the Roche-A-Cri Lions Park in Arkdale, 1651 Church St. on September 29, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

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Condolences

  1. Cathy Rathermel says:

    Mary and families, just saw this yesterday. My heart hurts for you. Such a happy, fun loving man who always had a smile. You shared some great times. Sending warm hugs and sympathy. God Bless

  2. Jerry and Kathie Dye says:

    Mary and family, we are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. It was always such a pleasure to visit with Mary and Jim at so many community events. May all your memories bring a smile.

  3. Mary Garay says:

    Sorry for your loss mary my prayer are with you and your family

  4. Mindy Anderson-Nicholls says:

    Mary and family and extended family of your amazing beau, I send you my condolences at your huge loss of a man who loved life. May he rest in peace. Until you meet again. Sending hugs of comfort at this painful time.

  5. Sue and Randy Anderson says:

    Mary and Family,
    So sorry for your loss. Sending hugs.

  6. Barb Bennett says:

    Mary, I’m sorry for the loss of your companion of many years. I’ll be praying for you and the rest of the family. Being alone is not fun.

  7. Nancy Sorensen says:

    So sorry for the loss of your brother. I am sure you have some great memories!

  8. Marcia Hicks says:

    So very sorry for your loss Mary. Jim will be missed by many.

  9. Janet Quigley says:

    So very sorry for the loss of Jim. He was a good man. My most sincere sympathy to you Mary and to Jim’s family

  10. Judy Alderman says:

    So very sorry for your loss Mary and family

  11. Jodi Helgeson and Jim Grabarski says:

    Mary and family. So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Our sympathy to you all.

  12. Wally Peterson says:

    So sorry for your loss his was a good person

  13. Peg Lecy says:

    Mary so sorry for your loss

  14. Doug and Linda Donley says:

    So sorry for your loss. My condolences 🙏 ❤️

  15. Evie & Larry Johnston ( York) says:

    Aunt Mary, & Families,
    Jim, was an awesome guy, alot of fun to be with, plus a very caring guy. Jim & Mary, we’re always busy, dancing, gardening, canning, and the list goes on. Jim, made Aunt Mary, very happy, in all their adventures. RIP Jim.♥️

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