of Batesville, AR
July 19, 1938 - December 7, 2020
James (Jim) Smythe, 82, of Batesville, Arkansas passed away Monday, December 7, 2020.
He was born on July 19, 1938 in Ward, Arkansas to Orlin B. and Lilla Smythe.
Jim had a heart for adventure. At 17 years old, he enlisted in the Marines. He had a desire to serve his country and see the world, although he was never stationed farther than the coast of California. His most incredible adventure began when he met his wife, and the love of his life, Katy. He graduated from Arkansas College (Lyon), and went on to own his own accounting firm as a CPA. Golfing and cheering on the Arkansas Razorbacks were some of his favorite activities. He was also ruthlessly skilled at cards and board games. His favorite memories were those with his church family, and he always looked forward to singing in the choir on Sundays. He loved his family deeply, so it was only fitting that he took his last breaths with them around him singing, ''When the Roll is Called Up Yonder.''
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Katy Smythe; his daughter, Christie Chapman (Kevin) of Little Rock; his son, Troy Smythe (John) of Corning, New York; and six grandchildren, Kate Shell, Carlos Garcia, Jessica Herpin (Nate), Kristin Kellar (Tyler), Sara Nails (Jared), and Jacob Chapman. He was preceded in death by his parents, Orlin B. and Lilla Smythe; his brother, Joe; and his sister, Betty.
There will be a private family memorial graveside service officiated by Pastor Mark McDonald.
Honorary pallbearers will be John Moore, Carlos Garcia, Kevin Chapman, Larry Haile, Howard Haile, Noah Haile, Seth Haile, Jeff Spence, Charles McClain, and Russell Hubach.
The family wishes to express their deepest thanks to Arkansas Hospice. The patience and love they provided was an unspeakable blessing.
Memorials may be made in James' honor to First United Methodist Church in Batesville (P.O. Box 2014, Batesville, AR 72501) and Arkansas Hospice (2233 Harrison St. Batesville, AR. 72501).
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28 Condolence(s)
Melissa Bernard
Monday, February 8, 2021
I just found out about Jim’s passing. Please, know Doug and I are thinking about you and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. I am sending you a big, virtual hug. Love you and miss you.
Maggie Douglas
Monday, January 4, 2021
I just ran across his obituary. I am so sorry you are left without him. We all see this coming, but that still does not ease the pain. God bless you, Katy is my prayer.
With fond memories,
Maggie Jean
Mary-Katherine Hardin
Thursday, December 10, 2020
I did so love Mr. Jim! I enjoyed every second of serving with him and working with him on committees at church. I so admired his passion for detail and perfection. He was always so willing to teach me and answer my questions. I will always value my time spent with Mr. Jim! So many prayers for you and your family, Ms. Katy! Know Mr. Jim was so loved and respected.
Sarah Kirk Drake
Thursday, December 10, 2020
Sweet Katy and family
So sorry for your loss. You know he's in Heaven singing with another choir and all the friends he is getting to see again. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sarah Kirk Drake
Brenda Bearden
Thursday, December 10, 2020
Dear Smythe Family,
So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. My parents will truly miss the good neighbor that he has been to them for years. Unfortunately, due to Covid, the Bearden family can not be there physically to support you, however, know you are in our prayers.
Twyla Wright
Thursday, December 10, 2020
Katy, Christie, and Troy,
I'm sending my love, to ride along on with God's tender blessings, to each of you. Katy, you and Jim were just such a close close couple....most always together. It must be so difficult not having him near. I'll call you soon. Christie, I remember you well from your childhood days and all those wonderful "hand me down" clothes you shared with Tanya. Your mom shared with me some of the events of your life as an adult. You know how to deal with loss. Troy, you are still in my heart when I remember the days you shared with me as you searched for what to do in your adult life. Love, love, love to you.
Alma Ward
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Dear Katy , and Family, I hope you know how much I loved Jim, and You too Katy,
I’m so sorry . I Know he is singing in that heavenly choir. I pray for God to comfort
Each of you. He was a Dear friend And my CPA for many years. Until he retired .
One of the Best man I have ever known .
Much Love , and
Alma
Paul And Sharon Strecker
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
We are so sorry to hear about Jim. We had some really good talks when he was doing our books, he always talked about his family. When he retired, we really missed him. Know that the family is in our prayers. We don’t have to tell you he was a great person! Rest In Peace Jim!
Paul and Sharon
Marilyn Diemer Earnheart
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Katy & family,
My heart is heavy in learning of your loss. We always had some good conversations & laughs when he came to the office. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you today & in the days to come.
In His Love,
Marilyn
Charles M. McClain, Jr.
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Katy, Christie, Troy and Family. So sorry for your loss. But he is now at peace with Our Father.
John Bettis
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Troy and Katy,
I just heard the news and I’m praying for you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Beverly Meinzer
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Katy, Christie, Troy and all the grandchildren and extended family...my condolences to you. I always enjoyed going to church with you and being in choir with Jim. Hugs to all.
Russell Hubach
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Katy and Family, Prayers for you all. James (Jim) was a great friend and I always enjoyed the trip to Batesville to see you two when I came to Arkansas. God Bless You.
Glenda and Marcus
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Jim was a kind, gentle soul who was loved by many. I loved to make him laugh! You will be missed our sweet friend.
Prayers for Katy and his family.
Our Sunday School class will suffer by not having you.
Marcus and Glenda
Andrea Cochran
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Dear Sweet Family,
I want to extend my deep condolences for the passing of Jim. My childhood memories growing up are highlighted with your sweet family. He passed (from earth) 1 year to the date of my dad's funeral. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I know this is a difficult transition, but we are all almost home. May God bless you with peace and rest assured knowing Jim is already home! Love you - Andrea Cochran
Glenn, Cathy, Chad and Brian Edwards
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY â¤ï¸ðŸ™â¤ï¸ðŸ™.
Regina
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I know he will be greatly missed by those left on this earth, but just think about how happy and well he is with our Lord and Savior! God bless! Regina and Tommy Bryant
Tami Ramey
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Katy, I’m so sorry to hear about Jim. He was a wonderful friend to me and my family. He will truly be missed by all that knew and loved him.
Gerald and Tami Ramey
J D Pierce
Tammy Melton Hunzeker
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Katie i am so very sorry! My momma always thought so much of yall! Thoughts and prayers are with you! Tammy Melton Hunzeker
Sherry Gaither Birmingham
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Katy and Christie,
I was so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Although we only worked together for a short period of time, I always enjoyed our conversations. They were usually about his family that he loved dearly. Just wanted to let you know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Sherry
Teresa Sutherland
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Katy prayers and hugs for you and the kids! He was such a good man!
Troy Smythe
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
The world will miss having the man you were in it. I love you, Dad.
Rick and Leann Siler
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Katy and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.
Rick & Leann
Vondale and Janet Perkey
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Jim was a friendly person.
We are sorry for your loss.
The family is in our prayers .
Randy Rewis
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
God bless you Katy,
Jim will be missed by all of us here at First Community Bank.
Brian Smythe
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Aunt Katy, Christie, Troy, and family
I am saddened by this, however I know without a doubt Uncle James is rejoicing in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him. My love goes out to you and those he left behind, as we will all be reunited once again.
Mark & Laura Morris
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Katy and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May God give you peace and comfort during this time.
In Christ,
Mark & Laura Morris
Terry Moffitt
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Katy,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.