James Lee Smith

James Lee Smith, 79, of Mineral Wells, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2021, surrounded by his beloved family.

Graveside services will be at Woodland Park Cemetery Thursday, December 16, 2021, at 2 pm with Indian Creek Baptist Church pastor, Jake Grogan, officiating.       

James was born to Omar C. and Lois Smith on October 11, 1942, in Mineral Wells. He graduated from Mineral Wells High School as a member of the Class of 1960 and spent 2 years at Texas Tech University before returning to Mineral Wells to work at Tex-Boro, Southern Airways, and Mepco/Electra, where he retired in 1995

James was very active in the Mineral Wells Chapter of Jaycees during the late 1960s and early 1970s.  James’ favorite pastime was being involved in anything his grandsons wanted to do; fishing, shooting a gun, or feeding cows. Through all the years, he never missed a sporting event that the boys were involved in and always took lots of photos and videos for everyone to see and that we will enjoy for years to come.

On December 26, 1985, James married another member of the MWHS Class of 1960, Johnell Glidewell Sellers, and her daughters, Joni and Toni.  He loved being a part of this family and spending time with them.  He enjoyed most of all being John & Brent’s “Buddy”!

Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Johnell; daughters in love and spouses, Joni and Todd Baker & Toni and Tim Bezio; grandsons, John Baker and Brent Bezio; brother and spouse, Joe Y. (Reuben) & Bobbie Smith; nephew and spouse, Michael & Candi Smith; great-niece, Tessa Smith; cousins Judy Lee, Dianne Hoskins, Carla Taylor; and numerous extended family members, friends, and classmates of the MWHS Class of 1960.  

Special thanks to Dr. Alice Ramsey and her nursing staff.  Also, thanks to Mandy Fallin with Beyond Faith Hospice Care.

The family is asking in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Indian Creek Baptist Building Fund or Class of 1960 Scholarship Fund.

If you are unable to join us in person, the services will be streamed live.  The link can be found at Baum-Carlock-Bumgardner Funeral Home Facebook page.