James M. "Snuffy" Smith, age 79, of Oquawka, Illinois, passed away at his residence at 2:40 PM on Saturday, April 30, 2016 surrounded by his family. He was born on June 11, 1936 in Oquawka, IL, the son of Don D. and Virginia (Rickles) Smith. He was reared and educated in Oquawka, graduating from G&O High School in Gladstone, IL. "Snuffy" proudly served his country with the United States Navy. He served as a E-5 machinist mate aboard the USS Ozbourn and toured New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, and the Formosa Straights. On July 7, 1957, James married Wava M. Thompson in Oquawka and she is surviving. "Snuffy" began employment on a dredge on the Mississippi River. He later worked as a lineman and in maintenance at Wilson Foods, Mariah Foods, and Farmland Foods in Monmouth, and for a time, at I.A.A.P. in Middletown, IA. "Snuffy" also did mechanical and body work with his cousin, Clyde Thacker. He loved children, model construction, navigating the Mississippi River on his pontoon boat, and his Suzuki motorcycle. He also enjoyed harvesting raspberry's, blackberry's, and mushrooms. James is survived by his wife Wava, three sons; Jon Smith and Ron Smith of Oquawka, IL, Lon (Barb) Smith of Biggsville, IL, grandson Justin Smith of Roseville, IL, one sister, Donna Hinshaw of Oquawka, IL, two granddaughters, and four great-granddaughters. Numerous nieces and nephews are also surviving. He is preceded in death by his parents, one son, Don Smith, and one great-granddaughter.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 5, 2016 at Turnbull Funeral Home in Oquawka, Illinois. His family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at the funeral home. Interment with Military Honors will follow the funeral service in Oquawka Cemetery. A memorial fund is being established for Beacon of Hope Hospice. For more information, or to leave a condolence, please visit www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com
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