Jim Smothers, 79 of Montezuma, passed away Monday morning, May 7, 2018 at his home east of Montezuma. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 pm Thursday, May 10, 2018 at the First Presbyterian Evangelical Church in Montezuma. Burial will be held in the Jackson Township Cemetery in Montezuma. Visitation will be held from noon until 3:00 pm Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at the First Presbyterian Evangelical Church and again from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm with the family at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Evangelical Church.

James Lewis Smothers, the son of Louis and Esther (Sammon) Smothers, on December 22, 1938 in Montezuma, Iowa. He graduated from Montezuma High School in 1957. Jim enlisted with the United States Air Force in 1957 serving his country for four years spending 18 months of the those in Korea. On August 16, 1958, Jim was united in marriage to Virginia Ammann at the Montezuma First Presbyterian Church. To this union three children were born, Jim, Lori and Vicki. Following his honorable discharge in 1961, Jim returned to Montezuma and farmed. He farmed several years and was very proud to turn over the century farm to his son to continue the farming legacy. Jim's family was very important to him. He enjoyed spending time with his family and attending most of his grandchildren's activities. Jim and Virginia were also host parents to an AFS student, Robyn Dellow Wunder, from Australia in 1983-1984. They also spent 11 years wintering in Arizona and enjoyed meeting and socializing with people they met. He was very artistic and loved to entertain his grandkids with his drawings.

Faith was very important to Jim. He was baptized in the Ewart Presbyterian Church and was currently an active member of the Montezuma First Presbyterian Evangelical Church serving as a Ruling Elder, Trustee and on the Finance Committee. Jim enjoyed interacting with friends at coffeetime following the church service and was also involved with small group. He was a proud Veteran and was a member of the Blakely Stevens American Legion Post #169. Jim looked forward to the Friday night football games where he was active in the National Anthem raising the flag. He also had the opportunity to attend an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

Jim's memory will be cherished by his wife of 59 years, Virginia of Montezuma; his three children, James (Beverly) Smothers of Montezuma, Lori (Brian) Van Roekel of Grinnell and Vicki (Kevin) Battreall of Montezuma; nine grandchildren, Michael (Natalie) Smothers and family: Eli, Mya, Ty, Lena and Zane, Mindy (James) McNaul and family: Cooper, Coyce, Cayson and Kinsley, Brant (Ceara) Smothers, Emily (Nick) Wagner and family: Cadence and Jennings, Daniel (Shelby) Van Roekel, Maggie (Nathan) Halstead, Austin (Ashley) Battreall and family: Felicity and Lincoln, Logan Battreall and Grant Battreall. Jim was the eldest of seven brothers: Garold "Bud", Raymond, Bill, Fred, Jack (deceased) and Ed; along with many other nieces, nephews and friends.