James F. Smith Sr.

James F. Smith Sr., 93, formerly of Anna, Ohio died at Dorothy Love Retirement Community, Sidney, Ohio on June 17, 2011 at 1:20 PM. He was born on August 12, 1917 in Torrent, Kentucky to Pearl Parsons Smith and William Smith who are deceased. Also predeceased are a loving step-mother, Eva Gray Smith, three sisters and six brothers. The family found their way to Ohio and in 1938 Jim met his wife, the former Helen Rose Cardone of Lima, Ohio, who passed away on July 31, 2010. They were married 71 years. Jim and Helen raised their family in Anna and they became an active part of the community. Jim was a railroad telegrapher on the B and O (CSX) railroad 40 years. He worked in Lima and Toledo before being moved to Anna Station. After it was closed he transferred as a telegraph operator and freight agent to Botkins, Troy, and Wapakoneta. He is now referred to as a 'Silent Key' as this term is used when an operator has passed away. Jim also owned Smitty's Radio and TV sales and service in Anna for 25 (1946-1971). He installed the first TV antenna in Anna at his home. It was only natural that he became an avid HAM Radio operator and became an Extra Class operator as Morse code was not a problem. He was a member of the Piqua Amateur Radio Club MM Net and his call letters were K8QQE. He was never happier than when he was fishing in Ohio or Florida, hunting in Montana or Wyoming, working in his garden, playing his guitar, or painting one of the many farm houses or barns all over Shelby County. (He was a professional house painter before joining the railroad). Jim was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, McCartyville, Ohio for the past 25 years. He was so appreciative of the eucharistic ministers who brought communion every Sunday and the family wishes to thank them for their ministry. Also his pastor, Father John Tonkin, was a great spiritual support for him and his family. We Thank You. Their was a special friend, Leo Steinke, who drove Jim on the first Saturday of every month to Lima, where they had breakfast with retired railroad friends. Jim is survived by his daughter, Patricia (George) Koehl of Hertford, North Carolina and a son, James F. 'Bud' Smith Jr. and wife Virginia of Tipp City, Ohio; six grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, two sisters, Mrs. Juanita Wright of Troy, Ohio and Mrs. Janice (George) Snowden of Sidney, Ohio and many nieces and nephews. The family expresses our heartfelt 'thanks' to Dr. Miller and all the staff at Dorothy Love Retirement Community from his time in Independent Living thru Assisted Living and then his final one and a half years in Skilled nursing. Everyone who touched his life was so special to him. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in McCartyville on Saturday, June 25, 2011 at 11:00 AM with Father John Tonkin. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Cemetery, McCartyville. Friends may call at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the mass. Salm-McGill and Tangeman Funeral Home in Sidney is handling the funeral arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Building Fund, 9333 St. Route 119 West, Anna, Ohio 45302; Dorothy Love Life Care Fund, 3003 W. Cisco Road, Sidney, Ohio 45365; or Wilson Home Health and Hospice, 915 W. Michigan St., Sidney, Ohio 45365. Envelopes will be available at the church. Condolences may be expressed to the Smith family on Salm-McGill and Tangeman Funeral Home's web site at: www.salm-mcgillandtangemanfh.com