A Picher Miner
Jim, Myrtle, Raydean, Jimmy Lee, Mary Ann and Bertha Mae
James Columbus Smith was born 20 July 1901 in Ellijay, Fannin Co., Georgia
to John William Smith and Mary (Mollie) Catherine Harris Smith. He
married Myrtle Marshall daughter of Bill Marshall and Beulah Marshall.
James C. Smith died 4 August 1943 at his home on 712 South Emily in Picher,
Oklahoma at 8:15pm.
James lost his father, John William Smith when he was
killed in 1914 at the Burra-Burra Copper Mine located in Ducktown, Tennessee.
He also lost his brother, Jefferson Gudger Smith on 27 November 1926 when
he was killed in the Burra-Burra Mine.
James and Myrtle Smith's children were; Marry Ann, Bertha
Mae, Jimmy Lee, Elma and Step daughter Reydean. The last time I saw them
was in the summer of 1956 or 1957 when they came to visit us in Ducktown,
Tennessee.
His funeral was held by the Durnil Funeral Home in the
Durnil Chapel, Picher, Oklahoma on 9 August 1943 at 2:30. The Rev.
A. P. Johnson officiating. Bearers were: Joe Ailen, Chub Coppenburger,
Shurm Cruse, Aubrey Barbour, W. V. Smith and Bill Stone. Honorary
Bearers were; Mildred Shinn, Ailean Barbour, Hazel Hare and Ester Stone.
Among the Floral Tributes received were flowers from Eagle
Picher Company, Big John Mine and Paxton Mine.
James C. Smith was buried at Ozark Memorial, Joplin Missiouri
on 9 August 1943, Lot 2, Block 15, Section 12.