James "Jim" Smith

James "Jim" Carlyle Smith, 77, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died April 12, 2022  in Gothenburg, NE.

He was born March 24, 1945 in Grand Island, NE, son of Dean and Dorothea Smith. Jim attended grade school in Geneva, NE before the family moved to Colorado where he attended junior high and high school in Littleton, CO, graduating from Denver High School. Jim was united in marriage to Karan Hicken on August 15, 1964 in Gothenburg. To this union, two children were born: Michele and Matthew. Jim and Karan celebrated 57 years of marriage together.

Jim was a member of the American Lutheran Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. Jim and Karan were the campground hosts at Lafayette park campground in Gothenburg for 25 years. Jim loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and loved to pass on his passion for hunting and fishing to them whenever he could.

Survivors include wife, Karan Smith of Gothenburg, NE; daughter, Michele (Brad) Warner of Gothenburg, NE; son, Matt (Keta) Smith of North Platte, NE; seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, brother, Kim (Sandy) Smith of CA, favorite uncle, Donald "Bud" Cook, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Don Smith, sister, Karen (Antonio) Mendez, great grandson, Joshua Warner, mother and father in law William "Bill" and Erma Hicken, brother in laws, Lloyd Farnstrom, and Melvin Hicken, sister in laws, Juleen Farnstrom, Evonne Hicken, and Mary Hicken, and aunt, Bernice (Bernie) Cook.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Monday, April 18, 2022, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm with the family present from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm.

Services will be held at American Lutheran Church, Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at 10:30 am with Pastor Doug Hjelmstad officiating.

Interment will follow in the Gothenburg Cemetery, Gothenburg, Nebraska.

Memorials may be given to the American Lutheran Church Women.