Mr. James Darrell Smith, 59, a resident of Cassity, went home to be with our Lord Friday afternoon, Oct. 9, 2009, at his home.
He was born Sept. 8, 1950, at Cassity, a son of the late Delpha E. and Gertrude Zirkle Smith.
He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Simmons Smith of Cassity; one daughter, Rachel Ash and husband, Timmy, of Cassity; and one son, James Smith and companion, Annie, of Teter Creek Lake. The joy of his life was his grandchildren, Austin and Hailie Arnold and Matthew and Ashley Smith. Also surviving are sisters, Virginia Cutright and husband, Edward, of Belington, Janice Markley of Coalton and Eva Markley and husband, Ron, of Mabie; two brothers, Carol "Bub" Smith of Elkins and Leonard Smith and wife, Connie, of Ohio; stepgrandchildren, Kayleigh, Elizabeth and Domnick Ash; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two granddaughters, Stephanie and Tiffany Arnold; and a sister, Doris Arnold.
Jim was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving our country from July 15, 1970, until Feb. 10, 1972, during the Vietnam conflict, and later serving from June 7, 1976, until April 1989 attaining the rank of staff sergeant. He served as personnel NCO, army recruiter and platoon sergeant of a Vulcan Air Defense Unit and as a computer systems administrator for headquarters Military Intelligence in the Military District of Washington, D.C.
He was employed by the Huttonsville Correctional Center as a correctional officer for more than 18 years attaining the rank of sergeant. He retired in 2004, after spinal surgery severely inhibited his ability to work. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed nothing more than sharing the outdoors with his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends as well as his best friend, "Peanut."
The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the staff of the Elkins Cancer Center and Hospice Care for their care, thoughtfulness and encouragement during the difficult time of his illness.
Friends may call from noon until 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, at Tomblyn Funeral Home in Elkins. Mr. Smith will then be moved to the Zirkle Cemetery at Cassity where a graveside service will be conducted at 3 p.m. Tuesday. Sister Mary Ella Morrison will officiate and interment will follow.
Full military rites will be accorded at the graveside by members of H.W. Daniels Post 29 American Legion, Tygart Valley Post 3647 Veterans of Foreign Wars and the West Virginia National Guard Honor Guard Program.
Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. James Darrell Smith. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com.
