The Goldendale Sentinel, Goldendale, WA., April 10, 1952, page 12

LOGGING ACCIDENT TAKES LIFE OF JIM SMITH, 23, APRIL 3

     Jim Smith, 23, was killed when hit by a tree being felled in the woods near Gilmer last Thursday. Services were held from the Gardner Funeral Home in White Salmon Monday at 9:00 a.m. with The Rev. Ring officiating. Interment was made in the High Prairie Cemetery. Pallbearers were H. Matlock, Maze Kelso, Floyd Jacobs, Horace White, John Hayne, Geo. Vance and Homer Babcock.
     The young man was employed by his own uncle at the time of the accident. According to reports, Jim was hit by the end of a tree that was being felled by his uncle and another worker.
     He was born, February 2, 1929, in Mabton. He attended grade and high school in Lompac, California. While in high school he was active in all activities. He was elected president of his class and president of the varsity club one year. He was a record winner in football, basketball and baseball. He graduated in 1948.
     Following graduation he worked as a journeyman plumber until called into service with the army on Sept. 1, 1950.
     He was a member of Battery C. 181st Field Artillery, 40th Inf. division. Before being discharged on November 14, 1951, at Camp Stoneman, Calif., he was promoted to the rank of Master Sgt. He had been on occupation duty in Japan for seven months.
     At the time of his death he was still a member of the California National Guard.

[HOME]
©  Jeffrey L. Elmer