James Vernon Smith

James Vernon Smith, age 83, of Blue Earth, MN, passed away on April 6, 2017 at United Hospital District in Blue Earth. James was born on April 21, 1933 in Armstrong, Missouri to James W. and Lorraine (Kenepp) Smith. He graduated from Armstrong High School in 1951 and the University of Missouri in 1960 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and was a member of Honor Societies, Tau Beta Pi and Pi Tau Sigma. James married Thelma Wells in Harrison, Arkansas January 5, 1952. He entered the Army in 1953 and served until 1955. James served in Layton, Oklahoma and Ft. Bliss, Texas. James worked for International Resistance Company in Burlington, Iowa from 1960-1963 and General Electric from 1963-1964. He worked at Bourns Inc. in Ames, IA from 1964-1967 and finished his career as Plant Manager at Telex Inc. in Blue Earth in 1993.James was an avid hobbyist, with broad interests, which included, but was not limited to, woodworking, bee keeping, gardening, weaving, quilting, wine and cider making. He collected Aladdin Lamps, card games and tractors. James loved reading and collecting books.James was an active in the Blue Earth Historical Society and he enjoyed competing for blue ribbons at the county fair. James is survived by Thelma, his wife of 65 years; sons, Dwight (Judi) and Ralph (Karla); grandchildren, Sophia, Morgan, Luna, and Riley.James is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Glenn and Elmer.Memorial contributions are preferred to Hope United Methodist Church, Blue Earth or to the Blue Earth Senior Center Lunch Program. James Smith''s Memorial Folder