James Edward Smith

J ames “Big Jim” Edward Smith , 64, of Dry Ridge, KY,  passed away suddenly at his residence on  Thursday January 9, 2025.   Born on October 30, 1960 in Owenton, KY, he was the son of the late Donald Howard Smith and Betty Jean Hausher Smith Dean.

On August 25, 1978, “Big Jim” as he was affectionately known, was married to the former Anna Louise Tupman; she survives.  After 23 committed years as a diesel mechanic for Maximum Crane Inc., he retired. As a pastime, he loved fishing and hunting; he was an avid Cincinnati Bengals and Kentucky Wildcat fan, he also enjoyed working on vehicles and enthusiastically loved the television series, “Heartland”.   He will long be remembered as a loving and caring “Papaw” but the greatest legacy he leaves is having a strong fortitude and being the foundational backbone of his family; for this he will be greatly missed. He was a member of the Local 18 Union and Vine Run Baptist Church.

He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife of 46 years, Anna Louise Tupman Smith; three sons: James Lee Smith, Michael Ray Smith, Jonathan Paul (Elishah) Smith; one daughter: Vickie Ann Smith (David Elam), all of Dry Ridge, KY; two brothers: Dwayne (Sue) Smith of Corinth, KY, Gene Allen Smith of Dry Ridge, KY and one sister: Susan Cupp of Pineville, KY  Also surviving are eight grandchildren: Ashlie Marie (Matthew James Ruppee) Smith, Leighanne Harrison, Matthew Johnson, Jeremiah Johnson, Hayden Lane Smith, Carrie Smith, Grace Smith and Ila Smith, along with three great-grandchildren: Malachi Ray Ruppee, Paislee Faith Dailey and Adeline Yvonne Ruppe.

Visitation will be Monday January 20, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Stanley Funeral Homes – Williamstown; funeral services will begin at 1:00.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to: James Smith Memorial Fund, c/o  Stanley Funeral Homes, P.O. Box 130, Williamstown, KY  41097.