Jim Smith Obituary

James Oscar Smith

January 17, 1947 – June 26, 2025

James Oscar Smith passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on June 26, 2025. He was born on January 17, 1947, to Lilly and Ellis Smith and was raised on the family dairy in La Veta, Colorado. It was there, at just six years old, that he met the love of his life, Joyce, during a game of hide-and-go-seek. From that moment on, Jim and Joyce were inseparable.

They spent one year apart, due to their parents' insisting that they separate for a year, while Jim attended Southern Colorado State at Pueblo, Colorado and Joyce studied at Northern Colorado State at Greeley. They later transferred together to Arizona State University, where they both graduated. Jim earned a degree in aerospace engineering and worked for Boeing in San Diego for two years. In 1967, Jim and Joyce were married and began their life together in California.

In 1971, they returned to La Veta to work on the Goemmer Ranch, and in 1972, they moved to Gordon, Nebraska, with their two daughters. There, they established their own ranch and became independent ranchers—a way of life Jim embraced fully.

Jim was deeply involved in the community, especially in ranching, farming, and rodeo. He served on the fair board, helped with the the high school rodeo in Gordon, and played a key role in bringing the Little Britches Rodeo back to town. He and Joyce were tireless supporters of their daughters, hauling them to rodeos across Nebraska and surrounding states. That same commitment continued into the next generation, as Jim faithfully followed his grandchildren to rodeos, baseball games, wrestling tournaments, and any activity they were passionate about.

Jim was also a proud and active member of the Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star, holding various offices and attending countless events—though many would say he was mostly there for the visiting and socializing, which he did with his trademark smile.

He loved teaching his grandkids things their parents may not have approved of, like driving four-wheelers a little too fast, learning to drive pickups and trailers, and mastering the art of backing them up. He was a teacher, a storyteller, and a friend to everyone he met.

Jim is survived by his wife Joyce, daughters, Brenda Skarohlid (John) and Stacey Darnell (Buddy), grandchildren Jayde Hagle, (Jordan), J.J. Skarohlid (Grace), Justin Skarohlid (Zoie), Cody Darnell (Timber), and Morgan Sutphen (Ty), and five great-grandchildren. His legacy lives on in the family he loved fiercely and the many people whose lives he touched.

Jim never met a stranger, never forgot a name, and always wore a smile. His kindness, humor, and love will be remembered forever.

A memorial has been established for the Sheridan County Ag Society.  Donations may be mailed to Chamberlain Chapel PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.