James R. Smith

James (Jim) R. Smith, age 90, passed away October 16, 2023 at Oak Park Assisted Living in Madison, WI. He was born in Janesville, WI in 1933, the son of Raymond and Evelyn Smith. He graduated from Janesville High School in 1952. He received a track scholarship from Lawrence College and completed a degree in art education in 1958. After finishing college, he first taught art at Monroe Middle School. He met Judith Chambers in Monroe and they were married there in 1960. He then taught in Walworth and Grafton and eventually settled in Janesville where he taught art at Craig High School for many years. He also coached high school track, tennis and cross country. In the last few years of teaching before retirement, he taught art at several grade schools in Janesville. He also worked many summers painting for the schools in Janesville. He was a member of Good Shepard Lutheran Church in Janesville, WI. In his spare time, he enjoyed creating art work, gardening and traveling around the U.S. with Judy. He volunteered at Rotary Gardens, working with the “Grumpies” doing landscaping and he also helped design signs and posters for their various events.

James is survived by his daughter Christine Smith of Janesville, WI, sons Barry (Amy) Smith of Colorado Springs, CO and Mike (Dana) Smith of Fort Wayne, IN. He is also survived by brother-in-law, Neale Jones, sister-in-law Bernie Chambers, grandchildren Mande Zierath, Max (Carrie) Zierath, Nathan Smith, Brady Smith, Evan Smith and great-grandson, Leon Zierath. He was predeceased by his parents, wife Judy, sisters Arlene Messerschmidt and Bette Jean Smith.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 11 am in the chapel at First Lutheran Church, 612 N. Randall Ave, Janesville WI. A visitation will be held at the church from 10 am to 11 am prior to the funeral. James will be buried next to his wife, Judy in Twin Grove Cemetery, Twin Grove, WI.

All Faiths Funeral and Cremation Services of Janesville is assisting the family with arrangements. Online expressions of love and support may be made at: www.866allfaiths.com.

All Faiths Funeral and Cremation Services

Janesville, Wisconsin

(608) 754-8700