james 'jim' smith

James M. Smith, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 13, 2015, in Sugar Land, Texas, at the young age of 52. Jim resided in Guy, Texas. He was born on March 16, 1962 in Houston, Texas. Jim is survived by his parents, James Earl Smith and Laverne McLamore Smith. His siblings are Bob Smith married to Debbie and Cathy Smith Stewart married to Keith. He was Uncle Jimmy to Joy, Mellissa and Bryan Klecka, Michele, James-Lee, Jamie and Josh Bell, McLaren, Schaeffer, and Townsend. Jim graduated from Sharpstown High School in 1981 and attended Houston Baptist University where he studied to be a choir director. As a boy and young-adult, Jim was a member of the Braeswood Assembly of God Church, the Youth Group, the Royal Rangers, 4-H Club, loved to ski, and enjoyed his travels to Europe with his parents. Jim and Sharon Marie Sampiere were united in marriage on November 7th, 1990 in Houston, Texas. Their marriage and commitment to each other was a living example of true love. Jim was a husband, father, police officer and rancher at heart. Jim was a Senior Police Officer of the Houston Police Department and proudly served for 31 years. Jim joined the police department on October 10th, 1984. He graduated as part of Academy Class 124 in February 1985 and courageously wore badge number 4440. He was a part of the Vehicular Crimes Division where he served 31 years until he retired on November 8th, 2014. Jim was born and grew up in Houston, Texas and recently retired to be a rancher in Guy, Texas. He was a dedicated Christian, devoted to his family, friends, and faith. Jim was passionate about ranching, cows, goats, and was always volunteering to help kids succeed with FFA projects. Jim grew up around his "Pappa Deed's" ranch and his passion started as a child where he spent summers in Hockley, Texas. Jim was a lover of life. He enjoyed playing cards with his family, and was an avid rancher who enjoyed an occasional beer and Sharon's pot roast. Friday nights were Jim's favorite night of the week, always spent with family and friends having dinner, laughing and telling stories of the events of the week and upcoming weekend projects. Jim was a member of the Needville Youth Fair Board and the Fort Bend County Fair Association - being goat chairman was his favorite role. Jim was involved with FFA and 4-H since he was a child and passed that love on to John, Peri and Christopher beginning when they were 8 years old. Jim gave of himself and his time to the community he loved so much. He enjoyed helping others, and teaching young kids about raising their animal projects and the commitment and care involved. Jim had a devoted love for his family, numerous friends and neighbors. Jim's greatest love was his family and raising his three children; John Conrad, married to Rebecca Ann Laney, Peri Christine, and Christopher Martin. His proudest accomplishments were his wonderful marriage to Sharon and his relationships with his children. Jim and Sharon were best friends and were a match made in Heaven. Jim made life easy for his family and was the "Go-To Dad" that had all the answers, knew all the secrets, and could always be counted on to make things happen. He knew the many nuances to the 5-G Ranch, (which stands for the five guys in Guy), everything about the septic tank, the chickens, and was quite the goat and cow whisperer. Jim was an attentive son to his adoring parents and was loved by his in-laws Vince and Ellie Sampiere and extended family, Christine, Renee married to Joseph, Bob married to Rhonda. He was known as Uncle Jimmer to their children Halie, Sydney, Alexandria, Michael and Jillian. Jim was known for hosting summer vacations on The Comal River and always included family, friends, and The M&M Sisters (Mellissa and Michele). Jim was a handsome man that embraced life, had a fantastic sense of humor, could play a great hand of cards, was a dedicated rancher, friend to all, and a genuinely nice guy who took pleasure in making someone else's day easier. Jim was a lover, a husband, a great dad, a son, a brother, a hero and a role model to so many. Jim's unexpected death is a tragedy but we are forever grateful for the time that we had with him. Our fond memories of Jim will be remembered and held dearly for a lifetime. Please join us for the celebration of his life. It will begin with a visitation for family and friends on Friday, January 16th 2015, from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Creekside Christian Fellowship Church, 16628 Texas 36, Needville, Texas 77461. Funeral Services will be Saturday, January 17, 2015, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Creekside Christian Fellowship Church. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetary, 3900 B.F. Terry Boulevard, Rosenberg, Texas 77471.