James F. "Jim" Smith

James F. "Jim" Smith, 96, Kokomo, passed away at 1:00 am Friday December 12, 2025, at his home. He was born March 6, 1929, in Grant County Indiana, the son of the late Franklin & Lula (Beach) Smith.  

Jim was a 1947 graduate of Windfall High School. As a small child, Jim learned about Jesus by attending New Hope Church in Phlox and then later in life at the age of 25 he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and was baptized in the Windfall Christian Church where he was a member and active elder for over 20 years.  His most important priority was making sure he took his 2 daughters to Sunday school and church and taught them about Jesus.  In 1972, he met the love of his life Janet (Maple) Smith, and they were married August 2, 1972.  He and Janet then became active members of the Methodist Church in Greentown for 48 years.  They worked side by side in their farming business (Poppin Acres) and grew popcorn for Orville Redenbacher…. along with growing soybeans and corn.  Jim was a farmer for over 40 years and retired at the age of 60. The first year he and Janet retired they spent the school year volunteering at Johnson Bible college in Knoxville, Tennessee.   He and Janet continued enjoying their winters in Florida playing golf and then also traveled extensively to other parts of the world.  When asked where his favorite trip was, he would always say when they visited the Holy Lands and he was baptized again in the Jordan River. 

Jim would always tell you he had a wonderful life…and God blessed him in many ways.  He never knew a stranger, and he shared his faith through his actions and kindness. After the love of his life passed away, he met a wonderful lady that brought him much companionship and joy over the past 5 years, Nancy Holderman.

Jim is survived by his children, Renee (Randy) Waddell and Jamie (Rick) Shuck; stepdaughter, Jackie Kowalski; grandchildren, Eric (April) Mathis, Wendy Loria, Shelley Mathis, Bryan (Ana) Mitzelfelt and Brad (Cassandra) Mitzelfelt; step-grandchildren, Jalyn Kowalski and Jerran Kowalski; great-grandchildren, Nathan Mathis, Lillie Mathis, Max Loria, Luke Loria, Carly Buettner, Annie Buettner, Hudson Mitzlefelt, Amelia Mitzelfelt and Francis Mitzelfelt; sister, Dortha Lord; and special friend, Nancy Holderman.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Janet; grandson, Craig Shuck; siblings, Hazel (Lawrence) Ray, Levon (Wanita) Smith, Lucille Conway, Armetha (Bob) Griffin and Maxine (Rex) Gentis; and brother-in-law, Frank Lord.

A funeral service will be held at Noon Friday, December 19, 2025, at Abundant Life Church, Life Center, 1025 E. 400 S, Kokomo, with Pastor Charlie Riley officiating.  Burial will follow in New Hope Cemetery in Phlox.  Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 am until time of service Friday at the church.  Memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to the Shuck Strong Scholarship Fund with Community Foundation.  Hasler & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.  

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