James "Jim" Andrew Smith

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James "Jim" Andrew Smith of Calgary, Alberta on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at the age of 89 years. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Anita, children, Janette, Jared (Joanne)  and Fraser (Isabelle); 6 grandchildren, Brody, Kylee, Cole, Julia, Evelyn and Lily-Anne; as well as many more family and friends. 

He was predeceased by his parents, Franklin and Lena Smith; sister, Rhoda Dean Olson; brother, Frankford Conrad Smith; and his beloved daughter, Laurel Dawn Smith.

Jim was born and raised on the small family farm which his grandparents homesteaded in Santaquin, Utah. He lived in the small three-room house which had no indoor plumbing or electricity until he was in his late teens. 

After graduating from high school, Jim attended Central Utah Vocational School in Provo, Utah, then attended Henager’s Business School in Salt Lake City. This gave him a sound backing in business as well as office skills which served him well in many aspects throughout his life. 

Jim served in the United States Navy,  mainly in the Pacific waters and was honorably discharged with the rank of Yeoman third class in 1957. 

Between semesters while attending university, he worked for the US Bureau of Land Management, surveying in southern Utah and then for three summers in Alaska. 

Jim graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Civil Engineering in May 1963. In January of that same year he met his bride-to-be, Anita Jones on campus. They had a whirlwind courtship and were married in Lethbridge, AB on June 21, 1963. 

Jim worked for geotechnical engineering companies in Utah and California for three years while earning his Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from BYU. Shortly afterwards in November, 1967 he moved his growing family which now included two daughters, Laurel and Janette, to Calgary, AB. Jim and Anita then had two sons, Jared and Fraser, who were born in Calgary, AB. 

In 1972 Jim formed his own geotechnical engineering company. J. A. Smith and Associates Ltd. Consulting Engineers, later named JASA Engineering Inc. Jim worked tirelessly providing well for his family for over 43 years, before retiring in 2006. 

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jim enjoyed his service as a teacher, executive secretary, and more recently as an ordinance worker in the Calgary, AB Temple. 

Jim loved the outdoors. He was an avid gardener, a world-class handyman, and loved camping with his family. As a retiree Jim and Anita made many friends around the world. He enjoyed cruising, snow birding in Arizona, gold prospecting, and most recently, oil painting. 

Jim loved his family, all who live in Calgary, and was so proud of his six grandchildren: Brody, Kylee, Cole, Julia, Evelyn and Lily-Anne. 

He will be remembered for his many oil paintings, his love of all things western, his pranks and his hard work. Jim will be missed by all who knew him.

A Funeral Service will be held for Jim at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Parkland Stake Centre (14540 Parkland Blvd SE, Calgary) on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at 1:00 pm. A viewing will take place prior to the service from 12:00 pm-12:45 pm. For those that would like to attend the service virtually, please follow this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83398971631. 

A graveside service will follow the service at Queens Park Cemetery.