James Wesley Smith

James Wesley Smith, age 73, of Indianapolis, passed away on December 29^th, 2022.  James was a loving husband, father, grandfather, cousin, uncle and friend.  James enlisted and served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from June 20, 1968 to July 7^th, 1970.  James had many jobs during his career including being the youngest assistant manager at a local grocery store chain before turning 18, working at his family’s ice cream parlor, and held various positions at the railroads in Indianapolis.  James retired from Amtrak in Beech Grove, Indiana in the early 1980s.  James graduated from Arsenal Technical High School and took various college courses and real estate classes.  James was baptized at Arlington Heights Baptist Church in Indianapolis.  James loved attending the annual Vietnam Veterans Reunion held each September in Kokomo.  James is preceded in death by his father, John Wesley Smith, his mother Viola May (McConnaha) Smith, many aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.  James is survived by his wife of 34 years, Peggy Smith, his daughter Stacey Lynn Smith, and his grandson Dustin Michael Hall.  Military services will be held during the September 2023 Vietnam Veterans Reunion in Kokomo, Indiana.  Donations may be made to the Howard County Vietnam Veterans Organization.