James Robert Smitka, 60, died Sunday, September 22, 2019 surrounded by loved ones at the VA Hospital in Kansas City after a long battle with cancer.
Jim, as he was known by friends and family, spent his entire career in the military. Jim joined the United States Air Force right out of high school and served his country proudly for 32 years, the first 8 in active duty as an aircraft weapons systems technician in the South Pacific. He spent the next 25 years in the ART program with the 442nd Fighter Wing at Richards-Gebaur and Whiteman Air Bases, where he participated in many stateside and overseas assignments and training exercises. Jim officially retired from the Air Force in 2009.
Jim loved life, nature, family and friends. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and would take anyone with him who wanted to go. He loved sharing his excitement for life and freedom with others, and especially the love of his life Penny, his children and grandchildren. Jim had a passion for helping his community and enjoyed writing stories highlighting local heroes and their lives for the Daily Democrat in a weekly column called “What’s your Story?”
Jim is preceded in death by his father William Smitka and sister, Susan Thurman. He is survived by his wife Penny Smitka; mother Carol Smitka; brothers William Smitka, Jr. and wife Eileen, and John Smitka and wife Crissy; sons Jason Smitka, wife Linzi and granddaughter Bodhi, and Mr. Tyler Smitka MO-1; daughter Ashley Smitka and grandchildren Violet and Gabriel; step sons Eric Burton and wife Heather (H1) and Aaron Burton and wife Heather (H2); nieces, nephews and cousins.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home, Clinton, MO.
