Jimmy Lee Smith's Obituary
SMITH, Jimmy Lee, age 80, of Beavercreek, passed away Tuesday, December 17, 2025, at Soin Medical Center in Beavercreek.
Jimmy earned a bachelor’s degree from Wright State University. He honorably served eight years in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. He served in Vietnam, two weeks before the first major TET offensive, and was deployed there for 12 months. After he was discharged from the Air Force, he started his civil service career the next morning, working in the same office and at the same desk. For nearly 30 years, he was a GS12 in civil service. He traveled with Air Force Generals to the Pentagon for briefings, primarily covered budgeting and base foreclosures. His love and devotion to his country were a foundation of his life. He was a member of the Beavercreek VFW. In addition to chaplain work at the VFW, he also played taps on the bugle during funeral honors. He was also a charter member of the Dayton National Cemetery Honor Squad. He was a loyal member of Crossview Christian Church and was always excited to assist with Tuesday School and at the church on Sundays, where he was a fixture at the door since 2006.
He was known for his generous heart, kindness, and quiet dedication to others. Thoughtful and giving by nature, he found fulfillment not in recognition, but in making others—especially children—smile. His patience, warmth, and selflessness left a lasting impression on all who knew him. He had a special passion for working with his hands, especially when making wooden toys for children. He spent countless hours crafting small wooden toys, often making dozens at a time, simply for the joy of giving them away. One of his most impressive projects was a handmade wooden train that stretched nearly eight feet long. Giving toys to children was something he began early on and continued throughout his life, often gifting them to the children at Tuesday School when they first started, at Christmas break, and when they graduated. His love for children earned him the affectionate nickname “Grandpa Jimmy” among many of the kids at Crossview and Tuesday School. A cherished tradition was his role as Santa during family gatherings at Crossview, where he delighted in bringing joy and laughter to both children and adults alike. These moments became treasured memories for his family and the many children whose lives he touched.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sara, in 2005, and his parents, Esmer and Lillian Smith. He is survived by his two brothers, Roberts E. (Cindy) Smith and Timothy ( Katheryn) Smith; and two sisters, Rose Gierse and Juanita Turner.
A celebration of life service will be at 1 pm on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Crossview Christian Church in Waynesville. Steve Williamson will be officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 11 am to 1 pm on Monday. If desired, contributions may be made to Crossview Christian Church’s Preschool on Tuesday Program or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Condolences at https://www.stubbsconner.com.
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