James Ellis Smith

James (Jim) Ellis Smith, of Lakeland Florida, passed away on December 3rd 2025 at the age of 94. Born on September 29th 1931 in Belpre Ohio to William Francis Smith and Thelma Virginia Smith, he joined the Navy after graduating high school. After his discharge from the Navy Jim received a degree in electrical engineering from University of Ohio and had a long career working for various companies all over the country, including military civil service. Jim was married to Charlotte Rose Shields of Belpre Ohio on April 9th 1955 until her death on December 15th 1995. After he retired, Jim moved to Lakeland Florida where he met and married Marilyn Sue Niebauer on November 6th 2004, and had many happy years in retirement in Florida.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents William Francis Smith and Thelma Virginia Smith, his wife Charlotte Smith, son James (Connie Kay) Smith Jr, daughter Virginia (James) Smith, siblings Virginia Jones, William Smith, Kenneth Smith, John Smith and Mary Ungar.

Jim is survived by his wife Marilyn Smith, sister Patricia Kelly, son David (Teresa) Smith, granddaughters Triniti (Mary) Porter, Terra (Kevin) Melton, Sweden Smith, Rayne Lovelace, Felicia (Conner) Hamilton and two great grandsons, Jexton and Lincoln.

Jim enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, and was an avid bird watcher. He was very active in the Boy Scouts and led troops for his sons troop and for many years after. He was proud of his time in the Navy and also of his time working for General Electric where he worked on some of the first designs for computer hard drives. He never talked much, but he always listened to everything anyone would say and when he would say something it was well thought out and made an impact.

After his marriage to Marilyn in Florida he was embraced and loved by his extended family of 8 step-children, 22 step-grandchildren and 18 step-great grandchildren.

Per Jim's request there will not be a memorial.