James Leroy Smith, 94 of Bitterwater, Calif. passed away on Thursday, December 12, 2014 at his home.

Jim was born April 6, 1920 to Aberham and Helene Smith in Delta County, Colorado. He was one of 4 children. At an early age the family moved to Santa Cruz, California.

Jim graduated from Santa Cruz High School. He then moved to Mare Island, Vallejo, California where he worked in the ship yards. He entered the US Army in 1946. His tour of duty took him to New Guinea and the Philippines. In 1948 Jim received his Honorable Discharge as a WWII Veteran having obtained the ranking of Master Sargent.
Jim returned to Vallejo, California where he met and married Arlene Whittemore. They moved to King City where Jim worked for Valley Motors as a mechanic. Eventually they moved to Bitterwater, Calif. on the Bengard Ranch. Jim and Arlene soon moved down the road and purchased the home site where he has lived ever since.

Jim enjoyed hunting and tinkering with engines. He loved to help people, from working on engines to helping someone build a home. If someone needed help he was always willing to lend a helping hand or a tool. Jim loved to spend time with family and friends. He had a heart of gold. He really enjoyed it when he got the best of a good deal.

Jim is survived by his children, Lisa Smith of Bitterwater, Calif. and Jimmy Ashley of Fresno, Calif.; grandchildren, Corey Hitchcock, Dana Ashley and Joel Bautista; great grandchildren, Emily, Beth, Caden, Bella and Adison; sisters, Dorothy Bacon and Mary-Louise Bengard. Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Arlene and brother, Albert.

Private Family Services will be held in the Spring. If you wish, donations may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars in remembrance of Jim.