Obituary for James Smith

James Stanley Smith, 77, of Ponca City, succumbed on July 6, 2014 following a brief illness. James was born on January 25, 1937 in Fairfax, OK to William Theodore and Virginia Leulla Smith. He was raised by his mother and Step-father Norman Miller. They preceded him in death along with his first wife of 48 years, Glenna M. Smith. He and Kathy Elliott were married on February 18, 2006.

James was a Korean War veteran serving 4 years in the Air Force. He was a proud American who flew his flag daily over his home in Ponca City. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge. He enjoyed playing pool with his friends.

James spent part of his life in the Wichita area, where he held multiple jobs in his lifetime including The Miller Theatre, Sherriff’s Department, Wichita Paper Company and finally retiring from KFC where he was able to meet Colonel Sanders on several occasions as he rose through the ranks of the company.

James is survived by his wife-Kathy of Ponca City, son-James Samuel Smith and his wife Diane of Wichita, KS, daughter-Laura Smith of Denver, CO. His extended family includes stepchildren; Jonathan Morris, Tamara and her husband Phillip Ballard, Dean Smith, Don and his wife Carol Elliott, Ronald and his wife Janie Elliott, Bob Elliott and step-brother Neal Miller. James is also survived by a host of grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Rosary will be at 9:30 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass 10 a.m., Friday, July 11, 2014 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, with Rev. Kevin Ratterman officiating. Inurnment will be at 2:30 p.m., at White Chapel Memorial Gardens, 1806 N. Oliver, Wichita, KS.