James R. Smith age 85 of Denton passed away Tuesday 11, 2008 at Presbyterian Hospital of Denton. He was born May 8, 1923 in Lewisville, Texas to Jim L. and Minnie

( McDaniel) Smith. He served in the Army as Tech Sgt. during WW II, in China, Burma, and India. He was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Metal. He married Wilda Fuller June 29, 1947 in Ponder, Texas.

James grew up in Denton Co. where he farmed, raised cattle and retired from D I S D.

He was a member Denton County Sheriffs Posse for 45 years. James was a hard working man who was a loving husband, father, and " Papa".

He is survived by his wife of 61 years Wilda of Denton. Daughters Judy Venable of Sanger and Rita Daniel of Denton. Son Ken and wife Glenda of Valley View. Sisters Dorothy Hampton of Denton and Imogene Self of Fort Worth plus numerous nieces and nephews.

10 Grandchildren, 13 Great Grandchildren and 2 Great Great Grandchildren. He was precede in death by his son Danny Smith and grandsons Jacob Smith, Grady Robinson and great grandson Adam Venable, two brothers and two sisters.

Funeral Service will be 2:00 pm Friday November14, 2008 at Mulkey-Mason Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, in Denton. The Rev. John Stout will officiate the service. Visitation will be from 6:30 to 8:00 pm Thursday November 13, 2008 at the Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Jef Venable, Kenny Smith, Raymond Wood, Randy Webb, Bobby Webb, and Chris Self.