James A. Smith Jr.

James A. Smith Jr., 71, of Cambridge, died Tuesday (September 30, 2008) at the Grant Medical Center, Columbus. He was born on July 26, 1937 in Cambridge, son of James A. Smith Sr. and Kathleen (Lucas) Smith of Old Washington. Mr. Smith retired after twenty-five years with Bannock Coal, where he had been a foreman for the surface mine. He later retired from Higgins Construction, where he worked as an equipment operator. Mr. Smith was also a self-employed farmer who enjoyed raising cattle and showing at the Guernsey County Fair. He was affiliated with the fair for over sixty years. Mr. Smith was a 1956 graduate of Old Washington High School. He was preceded in death by a brother, Richard "Butch" Smith. In addition to his parents, he leaves his wife, Holly (Carpenter) Smith of the home, whom he married on March 7, 1997; two sons, Jeff (& Jodie) Smith of Columbus and Douglas A. (& Teresa) Smith of Freeport; two step-sons, Jason (& Holly) Hannahs of Cambridge and Jerry Hannahs of Old Washington; two sisters, Barbara (& Vernon) Rawlins of Cambridge and Shirley (& Ron) Goodpaster of Old Washington; eight grandchildren, Maureen (& Dylan) Harbort, Jennifer Smith, Ethan Smith, Tyler Smith, Mackenzie Smith, Corey Bates, J.C. Hannahs and Isabelle Hannahs; a great-grandchild, Brock Harbort; and several nieces, nephews & many friends. Family and friends may call on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Thorn-Black Funeral Home, Cambridge, where services will be held on Saturday (October 4, 2008) at 11 a.m. with Pastor Jim Gibson officiating. Burial will be at Old Washington Cemetery, Old Washington.