Heaven gained a great cowboy on February 17, 2020. James Albert Smith was born on January 10, 1954. James is the third child of Albert and Olga (Johnson) Smith. James grew up in Anaconda MT where he attended school and worked at his Dad's car lot.

After high school, he found his passion in hunting, fishing and working as a guide. He had a love for traveling all throughout Montana.

In 1980, while working as a rancher in the Big Hole Valley, he met his wife Debbie K McGinnis (Smith) and on December 10, 1983, Jim and Debbie were married at the Old Hitching Post.

Jim and Debbie had an adventurous life together working on various ranches in the Big Hole Valley, Horse Prairie, and surrounding area. Jim also worked in the mining industry, both underground and open pit mines.

Survivors in addition to his wife include, brother and sister in law Bob and Denise Smith. Together Jim and Debbie have 5 children, son and daughter in law Matthew and Tisha McGinnis, Rylee and Stephanie Smith, Kyler Smith, Marissa Smith and Chris Kerney, Mandi and Cody Collins. Jim was also the proud grandpa to 9 grandchildren.

Jim is proceeded in death by his daughter, Jackie Smith, his parents and sister, Arleenne Rea.

Visitation will take place on Friday, February 21, 2020 at Duggan Dolan mortuary at 10:00am, followed by a service at 11:00am. A potluck reception will follow the funeral service.