Jim R. Smith, 73, of Bremen, went to be with his heavenly Father at 12:25 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015.

He was born to Paul and Margaret (Woodard) Smith in Richmond, Feb. 4, 1942. On Aug. 30, 1986, Jim married Jean Heinke. Jim is survived by his wife, Jean Smith of Bremen.

Jim graduated from Richmond High School and went on to attend Angola Tri-State University. He worked in management and sales in the HVAC Industry. Jim was a faithful and active member of the Bremen United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Bremen Masonic Lodge #456 and the Alpha Sigma Phi; Jim was working to set up a new chapter through Trine University.

Jim was the proud founder of the Boot Hill Hikers, a cemetery pictorial directory group, along with his wife, Jean. Together, Jim and Jean enjoyed photographing different scenery and hiking in new places.

He is survived by four children: Lisa (Mike) Beebe, Fort Wayne; Lori (Jason) Dickson, Fort Wayne; Branden (Cindy) Morris, Bremen; and Shantel Morris, Vincennes; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a foster sister: Jean Puttoff.

All services in honor of Jim will be private. The family has requested that memorial contributions be given to the Bremen United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society.