Ivan James "Jim" Smith was born February 28, 1941 to Ivan Smith and Kathryn Meyer Smith in Woodriver, Illinois. He passed away August 8, 2026 at his home in Oakhill, Florida. 

Jim grew up in Alton,Ill and attended school there, eventually graduating from Edwardsville High School. He then spread his wings and traveled all over the United States. Jim was said to be a "wild child" even into adulthood, never afraid to speak his mind or give his opinion, yet he also loved with the same fierceness. He was very generous and kindhearted to those he cared about. Forever willing to give the shirt off his back or his last dollar to help someone in need. He found true joy in making others laugh and making sure people knew they were loved. 

Jim loved the river, fishing, rebuilding boat trailers and working with his hands in general. He was a dedicated man who found joy in a job well done. He especially enjoyed his time building boat trailers and owned his own business in Oakhill doing so, up until his health would no longer allow it. He loved life and spending quality time with his friends, and his long time sweetheart Myrna, who preceded him in death. Jim was a private person and getting to know him deeply was not an easy task, those who reached the status of close friend were truly blessed. Throughout his life he held many different occupations across the country, never truly settling anywhere until he met Myrna and built a life with her. 

Jim is survived by his children: son Kelly Smith, daughter Krista (Tony Jensen) Patience, daughter Katrina (Chris) Slayton, beloved step kids Carla Rissell, Jason Rissell and Jack Rissell. Grandkids: Teigha (Randy) Scheer, Jaide Harkness, Katie Patience, Faith Patience, Jessika Patience and Mackayla Harkness, Jade (Da'Ron) Floyd, Corey (Kylie) Kessinger, Chris Kessinger, Ericka Hungerford, Mariah (Aaron) Graves, Tiffany Hickman, Natosha (Matt) Wright, Paul Shelquist, Kristian Shelquist, Shaylee Jones step grandkids Morgan and Ali and his beloved nephews Brian (Paula) Reynolds, Steve Reynolds and Mark Reynolds close friend Mike Workman and Mike T numerous great grandkids and other family. 

He is preceded in death by his long time partner Myrna Rissell, daughters Fern Kessinger, Kristina Shelquist, grandson Ryan Offhaus, sister Ida Dell Reynolds and his parents. 

A celebration of life and spreading of his ashes into the river, as he requested, will be held at a later date in Florida.