James Harold Smith

James Harold Smith, age 88, died Friday, April 29, 2005 at a local nursing home.Weighing less than three pounds at his birth in Pueblo, Colorado, on May 27, 1916, Jim grew up to six foot two and was the epitome of the American success story. When he graduated from school in the midst of the Depression, Jim put aside his desire to become an architect and found a job at Crane O'Fallon Company as a custodian. He worked his way up to General Manager in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and retired from the company in 1981. He moved to Weatherford in 1996 to be near his daughter and son-in-law.In school, Jim was a basketball star, playing center position. While serving as a U.S. Army Sergeant in the Persian Gulf in WWII, he received special commendation for the distribution system he developed for the movement of cargo through that area to supply troops north of the Gulf. His travels only increased his interest in art. Later in life he furthered his self-taught artistic ability by attending the Southwestern School of Art. His work has been featured in several group and private art shows (picture above is a self-portrait). In addition to painting, he enjoyed fly-fishing, was an avid reader, a Mason and a member of the New Mexico Art Association. He will be remembered for his wry sense of humor and for seizing life daily.He is survived by his daughter, Susan Paquet, son-in-law, Andy Paquet Jr.;granddaughter, Amanda Paquet; and his beloved standard black poodle, Pablo.A private memorial will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to San Juan Apostle Episcopal Church, 3725 S. Adams Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76110.