James F. Smith

James was born September 18, 1936, in Elmore, Minnesota, the son of Carl and Elsie (Frederickson) Smith.James was raised and educated in the rural Elmore and Pilot Grove Township areas, where he was a 1954 graduate of Elmore High School. James grew up on the family farm and continued on the farm following his education and was married to Karen Walsh on May 26, 1956 in Albert Lea. The couple farmed before Karen''s death in 1964. James was later married to Mary A. Shepard-Aukes on September 3, 1966 in St. Paul. James was a lifetime resident of Pilot Grove Township and his family farm. He was former member of the Board of Directors for the First National Bank of Elmore and later the Federal Home Loan Bank. James enjoyed spending as much time as possible at the summer cabin on Whitefish chain, fishing and boating with family and friends. He particularly loved time spent with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed collecting and restoring antique die cast tractors. He is survived by his wife, Mary Smith of Elmore, step-daughter, Patricia (& husband Randall) Fath of Blomkest, MN, son, Scott (& wife Julie) Smith of Blue Earth, daughter, Kristine (& husband Jim) Bowder of LeSueur, son, Jamie (& wife Robin) Smith of Blue Earth, daughter, Lori (& husband Steve) Meyer of Welcome, sister, Virginia (& husband Ronald) Ristau of Elmore, 11 grandchildren: Kyle, Brooke, Brad, Josha, Janica, Jarin, Summer, Taylor, Crystal, Jordan, Brody, and 9 great grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Karen Walsh, one sister, Beverly Bosma, one brother-in-law Clarence Bosma, and one Grandson, Jamis Smith.