James L. Smith

James Lowell Smith, age 84, of New Canton, IL passed away Monday, December 13, 2021, at his home. Born February 8, 1937, he was the son of Lewis L. “Dietch” Smith and Dorothy J. Personett Smith. He married Edna Kathryn Howard on June 11, 1958, in Hannibal, MO, and she survives.

Jim grew up in New Canton, IL starting farming with local farmers as a young boy. He was Pleasant Vale Township Road Commissioner for 27 years, all while continuing to farm up until three years ago. Fishing, hunting mushrooms, being outdoors is what he enjoyed most. He was a special, loyal friend to many people. Jim will be greatly missed by all. Jim was a member of the Pike County Farm Bureau and the New Canton Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Kathryn, of New Canton, IL; a son, Timothy Lowell (Cathy) Smith of New Canton, IL; 2 daughters, Tonia (Earl Mast) McKay of Liberty, IL, and Sue (Danny) Smith of Roodhouse, IL; 4 grandchildren, James (Bobbie) McKay, Amanda Jane (Paul Kurtz) Smith, Brady (Megan) Smith, Shawn (Grace) Smith; 7 great-grandchildren, Lyla McKay, Logan McKay, Timothy C. Smith, Stevie Kurtz, Wesley Smith, Sawyer Smith, Mark Smith; a sister, Helen Sittermann of Quincy; and a brother in law, John (Connie) Howard of Excelsior Springs, MO.

Preceding him were his parents; a granddaughter, Mechelle Swain; a son in law, Craig McKay; 2 brothers, Johnny Smith and Lawrence “Tug” Smith; a sister and brother-in-law, Dora Lee Dolbeare and Everette Dolbeare; a brother-in-law, Roland Sittermann; a sister-in-law, Mary Howard, and a brother-in-law, Sonny Joe Howard.

Services will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2022, at 11:30 AM at the New Canton Methodist Church. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Cremation rites have been accorded. Interment will follow at Shearer Cemetery in New Canton, IL. Memorials are suggested to the New Canton Methodist Church. Online condolences may be sent to www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry is handling the arrangements.