James McKeown SMITH

James was born in Rosetown on December 1, 1927 and was a long-time resident of McGee. His parents were Raymond and Susan Smith of McGee.
Growing up, James helped on the farm and in his Dad’s general store. He attended the two-room school in McGee. He then continued to the College of Agriculture. James graduated in 1952. He was proud to be an Agrologist. James taught Agriculture classes for the university to farmers in different locations in Saskatchewan. James lectured at the University of Saskatchewan in the winter. After working a few years James realized farming had some unique advantages. In 1954 James started farming at McGee and he always claimed he had no regrets choosing to farm.
James loved to dance and would drive to Saskatoon to the Airliner Dance Hall. This is where he met his future wife. In March of 1987 James at 60 years old married Verna Reid from Saskatoon. His bachelorhood was over. They enjoyed a trip to Hawaii for their honeymoon. James bought a new Revelstoke house and had it moved to the farm at McGee for his new bride. Verna had two sons and two daughters from a previous marriage. This added a new dimension to his life. He enjoyed the many visits with his new extended family over the years.
Later on, James and Verna bought a condo at Millenium Manor in Rosetown and moved in there for the winters. They enjoyed this and made lots of good friends. At age 96 James was still living on his own in the condo and enjoying his daily long walks around town. On June 6th of this year he moved to Rose Villa.
James was Chairman of the Board for UGG for many years, as well as worked on the Rosetown History Book committee. He also supported the Rosetown Antique Tractor Club. James had completely restored several old Massey Harris tractors over the years. One was a tractor the Smiths used on the farm which was purchased in the 1940s.
James was a very honest, smart, hard-working man with a strong work ethic. He was a real gentleman, kind and appreciative with a good sense of humor. Over the years James and Verna made generous contributions to the Rosetown and District Health Centre Foundation. James was a bachelor most of his life and lived alone, but when he was around people he enjoyed a good conversation whether it be with the young or old.
If you knew James well, you would know he was meticulous with numbers and having to get the books to balance. He did his own income tax up to a few years ago. For years he would read up and study and know the taxation laws inside and out. If he could not figure it out, he would phone the Canada Revenue Agency in Winnipeg to get the information required. James and his nephew Casey farmed together for years and made a great team. James believed in the good neighbor policy and a firm hand shake.
James was just 37 days from reaching the age of 97. To still be mobile, alert, and able to carry on a conversation was amazing! What a wonderful life he had.
James is survived by his brother Clarence Smith of Red Deer (Donna) and sister-in-law Anna Smith of Olds. As well as several nephews and nieces: Casey (Sandra) Smith and sons Wilson (Jasmine) from McGee, Travis from Calgary, and Logan from McGee. Dixie (Terry) Viney and daughters Cari-Ann (Garth) Dorin and Lindsay Viney from Olds. Shari (Mike) Wareman from Olds. Suzanne Richter from Ontario, Lindon Stone from Ontario and Leah (David) Jones from Ontario. Doug (Lynn) Smith from Diamond Valley, and Darrell (Dot) Smith from Courtenay. Charlene (Steven) Cramer from Airdrie and Shelly (Brent) Bloomfield from Victoria. Elizabeth (Kevin Chinook) Greenwood from Calgary, James (Nancy) Greenwood from Calgary, Niece Diane Greenwood from Kelowna. Laurel Smith from Drumheller, Raylene (Allan) Wise from Edmonton, Kim (Cory) Linderman from Kelowna. Step-daughter Sandy (Rick) Steeves from St. Albert and their sons Adam and Scott. Step-daughter Karen (Trevor) Wilson from Morinville and their son Bret and daughter Brittany (Shawn) Trahan and children Nixon and Liam. Step-son Kevin Reid from Saskatoon. As well as many great-nephews and nieces.
James was predeceased by his wife Verna in 2011, sisters Nora (Jim) Stone, and Barbara (Garth) Greenwood and brothers, Charles (Chris) Smith, Lindon Smith and sister-in-law Jean Smith. Niece Kelli Ann Smith, nephews Kevin Greenwood and Tim Fano as well as Verna’s son Bradley Reid.

Donations in memory of James may be directed to the Rosetown & District Health Centre Foundation, P.O. Box 653, Rosetown, SK, S0L 2V0.