ELKHART -- James Edward "Jim" Smith, 83, of Elkhart, died Monday, Dec. 27, 2010, at 3:32 p.m. at the Elkhart Hospice House after battling a brief illness. He was surrounded by his family and closest friends.

He was born July 6, 1927, in South Bend to James E. and Bessie Smith. On April 20, 1950, he married Bertha Marino, who passed away in Elkhart on Sept. 14, 2003.

Surviving are his two children, Robin (Robert) Smith-Alexander of Chicago, and James P. (Leslie) Smith of Elkhart, as well as five grandchildren.

Besides his wife, Bertha, he is also preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth "Betty" Fry.

On Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2010, there will be a gathering of friends and family at Billings Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. with a vigil service scheduled for 4:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 30, 2010, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Elkhart. There will be visitation for one hour prior to Mass. The Rev. Bill Sullivan will officiate the services, and the U.S. Navy Funeral Honor Guard, along with Elkhart DAV Chapter 19, will render military honors at the church following Mass.

Jim was a 1945 graduate of Mishawaka High School and then served in the U.S. Navy following his graduation. After his honorable discharge, he attended Northwestern Illinois University and then served as an Indiana State Trooper until 1969, when he retired from the state police and began working for the Weyerhaeuser Company of Elkhart. He also volunteered as an usher for the University of Notre Dame sporting events, as well as an organizer for Mishawaka High School Alumni Club events. His most memorable moment in life occurred this past year, when he was able to travel to Washington D.C., with a group of fellow World War II veterans to visit the National World War II Memorial, erected in honor of their service. He was also a member of the St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Council 1043 Knights of Columbus and the Italian-American Relief Association (or IARA), all of Elkhart. He will be best remembered as an avid golfer.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial contributions be made to the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, who assured that Jim's life ended with grace and dignity. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

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