San Joaquin County CA Obituary Project Obituaries.....Smith, James Thomas "Jimmy Coondog" January 22 2005
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Cheryl Davis-Holman Cis1052@aol.com January 29, 2005, 4:18 pm

The Record  January 25, 2005
Stockton
James Thomas Smith 
June 29, 1917 - January 22, 2005



James Thomas Smith "Jimmy Coondog", 87, of Stockton, entered into rest on 
January 22, 2005 at a Stockton hospital after a long illness. He was born on 
June 29, 1917, in Newton County, Arkansas, the son of Cleve Smith and Lula 
Hamilton Smith. He was a Stockton resident for 61 years. "Coondog" was an avid 
fisherman, hunter and outdoorsman. His love of hound dogs and coon hunting 
earned him the nickname that he fondly used throughout his life. 
He was an active member throughout his adult life of the Stockton Houndsman 
Association, and a lifetime member and supporter of the National Rifle 
Association and the North American Hunting Club. He was also very active in 
lobbying for hunter's rights in the State legislature. Jimmy was gifted story-
teller, entertaining young and old alike. His stories consisted of humorous, 
witty and fun-loving childhood pranks of unbelievable, but true, fishing and 
hunting stories. Jimmy came to California from Arkansas during WWII, spending 
his career as a longshoreman at the Port of Stockton. He retired after 28 
years, and was one of only two longshoremen who originally championed for 
health and welfare benefits for members of his profession. He became a 
dedicated employee who continued to enjoy the friendship, respect and 
admiration of his co-workers. In preserving his love of the mountains, he 
annually vacationed with his family to share the fun and beauty of the Arkansas 
Ozark Mountains, and instill a unique and dedicated love of family and strong 
values.
Jimmy is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Ova Norton Smith of 
Stockton, his childhood sweetheart. His stories often delighted his children 
who loved hearing of their elopement while both where performing at a singing 
convention. He was the loving father of: James K. "Buddy" Smith (Martha) and 
Lula J. Calkins (Jack), of Stockton; Joyce Marquez-Bush (Harry) and Doris 
Powers (Mike) of Lodi; Pete Smith of Redding; and Carylon Criner (Eddie) of 
Western Grove, Arkansas. He is survived by 14 loving grandchildren, who will 
miss the special "Grandpa Smith Smile" and the twinkling blue eyes; 31 great-
grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter. Beloved brother to J.W. and 
Gene Smith of Vendor, Arkansas. 
Preceded in death by his parents; one son, Denver Eugene Smith; four sisters, 
Walcie Smith, Dossie Tennisson, Abby Eddings and Verna Cash; and two brothers, 
Jay and Clay Smith. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and other loving 
relatives, and special caregivers, Edith Lurgio, Mary Pool and Josie Finken.
Friends are invited to attend visitations on from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, 
January 26, 2005 at Frisbie-Warren & Carroll Mortuary, 809 N. California Street 
in Stockton. A Celebration of Life Service will be offered at 12 Noon on 
Thursday, January 27, 2005 at the mortuary. Committal and interment will be at 
Smith Cemetery in Vendor, Arkansas. 
To honor his memory, contributions may be made to the American Heart 
Association, 1212 W. Robinhood Dr., Suite 5D, Stockton, CA 95207, or Hospice of 
San Joaquin, 3888 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA 95204. To read his life story 
and view photos and memories of his remarkable life, and share your thoughts 
and memories, please visit www.mem.com. 
 




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