James Herbert Smith

Obituary For James Herbert Smith

James Herbert Smith, after living a full 91 years, passed away in Las Cruces, NM on April 21, 2021. He was born August 14, 1929 in Muskegan, MI. His life was filled with multiple families, friends and adventures, as he wanted it to be. His work and personal life offered him the variety that he craved. Once a golden gloves boxing champion and National Guard member, his early years were spent hunting, fishing, and rebuilding Indian motorcycles in his home state of Michigan. The printing company he worked for broke their union, sending his family of his first marriage, with 3 kids, to relocate in their Sudebaker Lark to San Jose Calif. Early days had him commuting to San Francisco for work, but on the side, he was busy building sailboats for play at Clear Lake. Next move, south to rural San Martin in pursuit of his love of farm life-raising and selling quarter horses, taking classes to learn Spanish and studying to get his GED after turning 45. After a move back to Michigan, marriage number two brought a second family into his world and more opportunities for printing, working the land, plus for a while and in support of his travel lust, long haul trucking. Motorcycle adventures coast to coast became part of his quest. After sudden passing of his wife, and a few more years with Michigan winters, he decided he wanted to explore the warmth of the South West. He moved his trailer to Elephant Butte, NM where he spent 10 years enjoying the desert heat, getting nicknamed by these new friends as “Cowboy”. He spent much of his time dancing the two step with local friends at the American Legion and VFW Hall. For his 90th birthday, his celebration included his 3 children with spouses and several dance parties in Truth or Consequences, NM area. He valued his belief and life training, working as a preacher and ministering to those who were seeking connection to God. At 91, after an injury from a fall and brief illness, he was ready to pass to his lord.

He will be missed by family and friends, and remembered as a man who lived his life his own way. Rest in Peace Dad.

Following his request, there will be No Service, and the family invites you to leave thoughts or share memories in this guest book and take a moment or two to dance with your favorite partner.