View Obituaries

Remembering Lives, Celebrating Legacies

Remembering those who have left us. This obituaries page is a simple tribute to individuals who touched our lives. May their legacies endure in our memories.

James Gerard Smith Sr

07/22/1958 - 06/19/2019

Text:

Obituary For James Gerard Smith Sr

James G. Smith, Sr., 60, Black Hawk, SD, a beautiful soul continued his journey to join our Heavenly Father and his family on Wednesday, June 19, 2019. With open arms they will meet him at the gates. Funeral services are scheduled for Tuesday, June 25, 2019, at 11:00 a.m., at the Fountain Springs Church (West Location). Pastor Chris Swarthout will officiate with burial in the Mount Calvary Cemetery in Rapid City. James was born July 22, 1958, in Rapid City, SD, the son of James A. Smith and Margaret June (Konenkamp) Smith. He was raised in Rapid City and traveled east frequently to the family farm where he, his siblings, and many cousins made wonderful memories of mischievous adventures. James graduated from Stevens High School in 1976. He was a very avid athlete and excelled in everything he did to include jujitsu taekwondo, golden glove boxing, gymnastics, hunting, fishing, as well as competing in numerous State Championships and the Junior Olympics as a diver. James met the love of his life, Maureen (Stahnke) Smith, in high school and the two sweethearts married on October 25, 1976. James and Maureen were blessed with three children: James Jr., Staisha, and Sondra. Family activities included: jujitsu taekwondo, camping, fishing, cruising in his 1967 Camaro, hunting, riding his beloved Harley, dirt bikes and motocross, coyote calling with his son, benchrest competitions, and many other outdoor adventures. Spending time in the company of friends and family was one of his favorite past times. James also adopted a few sons along the way whom have become family over the years teaching them jujitsu taekwondo in his home dojo. Between 1998 and 2014, they were blessed with eight grandchildren: Grayson, Kriklyn, Dalton, Kaven, Jazlynn, Kartney, Layton, Weston, and two step-grandchildren, Emmalynn and Jackson. James was an honorable man, passionate father, and loving husband who was respected and loved by many. He touched numerous hearts and was a strong influence in people’s lives; this was clearly exhibited by the many friends and family who surrounded him with love and support during the last weeks of his time with us. His jokes, fun-loving humor, and sarcasm carried with him until his last days and will always be cherished in our hearts. James was preceded in death by his father, James A. Smith; mother, Margaret June (Konenkamp) Smith; brother, Timothy Smith; sister, Maureen “Renee” A. (Smith) Reed; brother, Daniel “Danny” Smith. Survivors include his wife, Maureen A. (Stahnke) Smith, Black Hawk, SD; son, James Smith, Jr., and daughter-in-law, Jena, Black Hawk, SD; daughter, Staisha (Smith) Miles, Spearfish, SD; daughter, Sondra (Smith) Bloomgren, and son-in-law, Jared, Box Elder, SD; brother, Thomas Smith, Black Hawk, SD; sister, Susan (Smith) Whealy, Black Hawk, SD; ten grandchildren, and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

Add a Candle

Click a candle below to add a candle to your message.

Loading...

Grief Resources

Grief resources offer vital support and guidance for individuals coping with loss, providing tools and community for healing.

Contact Us

Please contact us with any questions you have regarding advanced planning, services, grief resources, and any additional information needed during this time period.

k

Writing an Obituary

Writing an obituary is a poignant and reflective process, encapsulating the essence of a person’s life, achievements, and impact in a heartfelt tribute.