Jim Smith

Jim D. Smith, age 79, of Giltner, passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at CHI/St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island. 
Jim’s wishes were to be cremated.  A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, June 11 at Higby-McQuiston Mortuary in Aurora.   The family requests casual attire for the service.   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family to designate at a later date. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through the mortuary website at www.higbymortuary.com.
Jimmie Dean Smith, the son of Claude and Cecile Marlene (Stewart) Smith, was born at Aurora, on April 11, 1947, and passed away in Grand Island, on May 26, 2026, at the age of 79.
He grew up on the farm southwest of Aurora.  He attended Giltner High School.  Jim worked on the family farm before he served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.   He was very proud to serve his country and honorably discharged on January 15, 1971.   Jim worked at Pioneer Seeds for 30 years before retiring in 2013. 
On April 3, 1987, he was united in marriage to Karen (Clark) Maw at Giltner, by Rev. Paul Nauman.   
One thing everyone knew about Jim AKA ‘Smitty’ was his love for the Nebraska Huskers.   He sported the colors everyday!  He also enjoyed golfing with his brothers and friends, as well as meeting up with them at the Sit-N-Bull and going to his brother, Ken’s garage on Saturdays.   Jim was the best Grandpa.   He absolutely adored his grandchildren.   He spent hours rocking them, while of course watching old westerns, especially anything with “The Duke” (John Wayne) in it.   In fact “The Duke” was one of the first words the kids learned to say. Jim was an intensely loyal husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend.   He will be missed by everyone he touched in his life. 
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Shawn; sister, Karen; son-in-law, Eric Schaffert; and grandsons, Jordan Schaffert and Vince Schaffert.
Those who remain to cherish his memory are his wife, Karen Smith of Giltner; children, Eric Smith (Keri) of Aurora, Joel (Tisha) Smith of Grand Island, Gina Schaffert of Aurora, Todd Osborne of Giltner and Jesse Maw of Aurora and   9 grandchildren, Colby Smith, Jordan (Kinser) Earnest and Caleb (Tia) Smith, Dylan and Anna Smith, Jacie (Luke) Kelly, Logan (Chey) Geiger, Lexi (Logan) Zeckser and Jake Osborne and 2 great-grandchildren, Dakota anf Stevie.   He is also survived by four brothers, Larry (Mary) Smith of Boise, Idaho, Ron Smith of Aurora, Ken (Karry) Smith of Giltner, and Phil (Peg) Smith of Aurora and other family members and friends.