James “Jim” Smith was born Nov. 26, 1929, to parents Bert and Emma Smith. He lived in Rogers City, Mich., until his graduation in 1947 from Rogers City High School. He attended and graduated from Central Michigan University in 1951.
Jim married Barbara Rachel Carroll in September 1951. She had two sons, Tom and Jim Loveless. Jim and Barbara moved to Colorado in 1951. They had two sons, Mike and Steve Smith, of Westminster. Jim and Barbara were married for 20 years.
Jim worked several jobs, including a bakery route salesman while attending law school at Denver University. He was conferred with his law degree in 1958. He worked in private practice for three years before joining the Adams County District Attorney’s Office in 1965 as a prosecutor. He became the district attorney in 1982 and served two terms.
Jim married Joanne Otto in 1973. She worked for the Adams County Court. They lived in Brighton with Joanne’s daughter, Stephanie. Jim retired from the district attorney’s office in 1992. Joanne retired in 1997. Joanne passed away in 2003. They were married for 29 years.
In 2006, Jim reconnected with a high school classmate, Marvelle McCutcheon. They maintained a close and significant relationship until his death. They spent time traveling to Colorado, Michigan, California and Texas.
Jim’s retirement allowed him to spend countless hours with his grandson, Brian Smith, and granddaughter, Julie Younger. His favorite activities included traveling, hunting, fishing, golfing with his buddies at the Riverdale Golf Course Men’s Club and playing poker with Larry, Rich, Uncle Clyde and many others. He did make occasional trips to Las Vegas, Nevada and Black Hawk in search of his big win.
Sadly, James “Jim” Smith passed away Jan. 9, surrounded by his family in his home. He is survived by sister, Joan Berg; sons, Mike (Diane) Smith and Steve (Irma) Smith; stepson, Tom Loveless; stepdaughter, Stephanie Hardy; grandson, Brian Smith; and granddaughters, Julie Younger and Shawna Younger. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Fred Smith; a cousin, Ralph Smith; his wife, Barbara Smith and Joanne Smith; and stepson, Jim Loveless.
Memorial services are scheduled for 10:30 am, Feb. 1, at First Presbyterian Church, 510 S. 27th Ave., Brighton. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s name to Tru Community Hospice, 2594 Trailridge Drive East, Lafayette or Zion Lutheran Church, 1400 Skeel St., Brighton 80601.