James David Smith, a longtime Cushing resident passed away on Thursday, July 29, 2021 at his home in Cushing. Graveside Services are Tuesday, August 17th at 9:30 am. at Euchee Valley Memorial Park Cemetery, Cushing, OK.
Arrangements are entrusted to Palmer Marler Funeral Home, Cushing, OK.
James David(J.D.) Smith was born on March 31, 1951 in Tuscumbia, Missouri to David and Edith Smith. His childhood consisted of work farms and group homes until Beverly Halsey welcomed him into her family in Fulton, MO. In the summer of ’69, he graduated high school and joined the Army. J.D. served as a Green Beret specifi cally with MACV-SOG, often in unmarked uniform, on missions that wouldn’t be disclosed for decades. After several years in the Special Forces Reserves, a parachute accident ended his service.
In civilian life, he worked jobs from quarry demolition, heavy equipment operator/owner, logistics coordinator in the ‘80s, to supervising water main construction which brought him to Oklahoma. J.D. continued to return to his family in Fulton. His beloved Momma Halsey’s infl uence was always with him.
J.D. settled down in Oklahoma, He attended OSU for Landscape Architecture, married Kathy Smith, embraced her four daughters, and had a son. Through the local VFW, he mainly served as Service Offi cer which became an obsessive duty. Countless veterans received their benefi ts due to his persistence and knowledge of a system he fought for years. He spent many years with the food bank distributing groceries to any who needed them.
His later years were spent on the farm, planting flowers, building deck, grilling, and sometimes just enjoying the wildlife. He continued to visit Straight Street Ministries for fellowship, and pick up a box of groceries although his truck and trailer had shrunk to a ranger. He always enjoyed visits from friends, family, and his longtime girlfriend Susie Hahn who preceded him in death.
J.D. is survived by his brother Larry(Linda) Smith, son Cris(Heather) Smith of Cushing, daughters Lisa Taylor of Mokane and Charlene Starkey, stepdaughters Jamie(Chris) Hurst of Cushing, Amanda(Bryan) Harris and Amber Watson of Tahlequah, son-in-law Tommy Scroggins Jr. of Cushing, adopted sisters Sandra Davies, Mary(Bob) Jones, Patricia Potts, and niece Amy Stone-Bowers of Fulton, brother Reed Stone of South Carolina, Cris’s mom Kathy Smith, seven grandchildren, and one great grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mamma Halsey, adopted brother Gary Stone, and step-daughter Tara Swathwood.
Condolences and online guest book are available at www. palmermarlerfh.com.
