James David Smith

Funeral service for James David Smith will be 2 p.m., Fri., Aug. 22, at Inola Christian Church with Cameron Reeves officiating. Burial will follow at Sweeten Cemetery under the direction of the Inola Funeral Home & Crematory. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Thurs. 1-8 p.m.

James passed away Mon., Aug. 18, 2014, in West Columbia, TX, at the age of 29.

We celebrate the life of James David Smith, the young man who’s ever present laughter brought remarkable joy to so many lives. He has left an imprint on each person he came in contact with, whether family or friend.

He leaves behind his mother JoAnne Salcido of Inola, OK, his dad Jerry Smith of Moulton, IA, his grandmother Pearl LuAnne Bennett of Inola, OK and his special friend Hope Cates and her daughter, Alexcia of Mannford, OK. Also he leaves behind many family members as well as the many friends he made since the day of his birth. He has left an imprint on each of us which will carry his memory forward. He made friends with so many people in his school years and in his job travels and especially in Ireland when he and his mother visited there.

He loved his school years, attending Claremore schools till the 7th grade, and attending Inola schools until he graduated in 2003. He especially enjoyed the Inola ROTC Air Force program and the TSA program where he was a leader in both programs. He enjoyed being of member of the high school quiz bowl. He loved tutoring boys and girls enrolled in the STARS Program during high school and working with the program’s director, Kanella Andrews. He served as a page at the Oklahoma State Capital two times. Once for State Representative Dewayne Steidley and once for State Representative Larry Rice. He also attended an astronaut camp to learn about the space program when he was in high school.

James was preceded in death by his grandmother Joann Vanderlinden and great grandmother Madelene Remer, his uncle James Turner and cousin Shawna Turner.. He is survived by his mother JoAnne Salcido and special friend Jewell Hall, his dad Jerry Smith, three brothers, Brock Salcido of Inola; Jerry Smith and Chad Smith of South Dakato, and his beloved grandmother Pearl Bennett.. He also leaves behind his uncles Joseph Bennett and wife Leslie, Clay Bennett and wife Lisa, special aunt Jeri Sue Smith Springdale, AR and cousins Grace and Jane Bennett of Kellyville, OK; Robert Bennett of Catoosa, OK; Joey Bennett of Oregon; and Alyssa Bennett of Inola, OK.

James leaves behind great uncles and great aunts. James and Pam Remer of Vian, OK; Neal and Debra Remer of Vian, OK; Charles and Catherine Remer of Okmulgee, OK; and Woody Remer of Kellyville, OK; Jewell Turner, Inola, OK Sandra and Don Brockman of Vian, OK; and Marie and James Dunn of Chouteau, OK. He leaves behind many cousins and family members.

He loved life and loved his job with Mohawk Field Services and all the new friends that he made when he traveled. He loved going to the lakes with his boat; four wheelers; cars; motorcycles; guns; hunting and fishing; country music; Friday poker night with the guys, spending time with Hope, his chainsaw and just hanging with family and friends.

Although he will be missed greatly, we find great peace knowing he will spend eternity with his Lord and Savior in heaven. He accepted Christ as his savior in his teen years and was baptized in the Baptist Church in Wagoner. We look forward to seeing him in heaven.