James Robert Smith

James Robert Smith, 77, passed away on July 4, 2022, in Tulsa, OK. James was born on September 14, 1944, in Los Angeles, CA. He spent his youth between Sunflower and Olathe, KS, with his parents William Marvin and Beulah Marie (Kelim) Smith. He graduated from Olathe High School in 1962. After High School, he attended Kansas State Teacher’s College in Pittsburg, KS, where he met and married Sharon Kay Yaeger. James and Sharon were married in Pittsburg, KS on April 3, 1966. At this time, James enlisted in the U.S. Army. During his service he spent time in Germany, one tour in Vietnam, and moved around the U.S. with his family. During this time, James and Sharon welcomed three children. James is survived by his wife, Sharon of Eufaula, OK, daughters Susan Amanda Olson (Edwin) of Queen Creek, AZ and Sandra Kay Wheeler (Brett) of Carter Lake, IA; ten grandchildren, Kenneth Owens, Summer DeHerrera, Brittany Smith, Christopher Smith, Tiana Olson, Amanda Olson, Thomas Olson, David Olson, Robert Olson and Jadyn Wheeler; and one great granddaughter, Isabella Forrester. He is preceded in death by his parents and son, James Martin Smith. Not only did James proudly serve as a Captain in the US Army, he continued serving his country as a civilian until his retirement in 2006. Known to friends and family as JR, he was a lifelong learner who enjoyed reading, watching football, science fiction series, and building model cars. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name, to the Disabled American Veterans.