James Clifford Smith

James “Jim” Clifford Smith, age 82 passed away at a care facility in Emmett, ID, on December 17, 2025, to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, love for his family and many friendships.

Jim was born on April 27th 1943, the 2nd of 4 children to Rev Charles Clifford Smith and Leonna Deane Smith in St. Cloud MN.

Jim’s father accepted a Pastoral position and the family moved to the treasure valley in 1952 where Jim attended Meridian and Middleton high schools and where he enjoyed playing football and was also an undefeated state wrestling champion.

After high school Jim attended Boise Junior College where he also enjoyed playing football and served in the Idaho National Guard.

In 1966 Jim married the love of his life Aleta Jean Soward and they had two children, Tamara Jean Smith and Timothy James Smith.

Jim worked hard and in 1970 obtained his apprenticeship in plumbing from the United States Department of Labor - Bureau of apprenticeship & training under sponsorship of Boise Plumbers and Pipe fitters.

In 1971 Jim accepted a plumbing position with Savage & Son and moved the family to Reno, NV where he raised his family; was actively involved in his church and enjoyed driving race cars.

In 1991 Jim and Aleta moved to Emmett to care for their parents and where he continued working as a plumber at RM Mechanical until his retirement.

After Jim’s retirement he enjoyed spending time with Aleta at their cabin in High Valley, ID as well as hunting, fishing, playing pool; watching Boise State football games and NASCAR racing.

Jims's love of racing and working on cars inspired him to build a unique hot rod from a Chevy Luv pickup truck with an engine from a Cadillac El Dorado mounted in the bed to which he affectionately called his “Luvarado” and he often took family and friends for rides and drove it around at Emmett’s annual cruise night.

Although Jim was retired he was well known to help family and friends when needed and often it was joked that he must only be semi-retired. 

Recently Jim achieved a milestone of 55 years membership in the plumbers union.

Jim was a very loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, brother and uncle and made many friends in the Emmett Valley and will be missed very much.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Rev Charles and Leonna Smith and brother David Smith.

He is survived by his wife Aleta Smith, son Timothy “TJ” Smith, daughter Tamara (Jim) Wood, granddaughters Alicia (Jonathan) Vannoy, Adrienne (Tomas) Ledlow all from Emmett, Damaris Borden of Providence, RI and great-granddaughter Jerilyn Hergenreder of Emmett. Jim is also survived by his brother Paul Smith of Boise, sister Coralee (Larry) Weymouth of Nampa and many nephews and nieces.

A memorial service to honor and remember Jim will be held on Tuesday, December 30th at 11:00 at Potter Funeral Chapel at 228 E Main St, in Emmett, ID. Services will be immediately concluded at the Emmett Cemetery at 1205 N Washington Ave, Emmett, ID.
 

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