Jim Lee Smith

Jim Smith, age 52, of La Grande, died Thursday, October 24, 2002 at the Grande Ronde Hospital.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 30th at the Island City Cemetery in Island City, Oregon. There will be a viewing on Tuesday, October 29 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande.
Mr. Smith was born on May 19, 1950, to Russell and Geraldine (Lewis) Smith in La Grande, Oregon.


Jim was a 1968 graduate of La Grande High School. He married his high school sweetheart, Karen Twidwell on August 16, 1969 in La Grande, Oregon. He worked at Terry Trailers in La Grande, was a Union County Sheriff's Deputy, a route salesman for Cloverclub Snackfoods and a Conductor/Engineer on the Union Pacific Railroad. He was a member of the United Transportation Union, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. His hobbies included being an avid deer and elk hunter, and steelhead fisherman. He loved camping in Ladd Canyon, deep sea fishing and spending time with his family and grandchildren.

Mr. Smith is survived by his wife Karen of 33 years; daughter and son-in-law Kristi and Rod Ritchie of La Grande; daughter and son-in-law Jennifer and Les Brasure of La Grande; brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Deana Smith of La Grande; mother, Gerry Smith of La Grande; granddaughters, Ashlee Brasure, and Kyndra Ritchie of La Grande; one grandson, Austin Ritchie; his dad, Russell Smith and a cousin, Richard Smith proceeded him in death.

Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the Jim Smith Memorial in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.