James Donald Smart

James Smart, 74, passed away at the end of November 2019 at Lutheran Hospital after cardiac arrest a few days prior. Jim was born in Mauston, Wisconsin to Eugene and Viola (Blackburn) Smart. He graduated in 1963 from Mauston High School and UW LaCrosse in 1967. Jim was a kind, loving and generous man. He was committed to his family and friends and could always be found with a smile on his face. He came from a large family and was put to work early in the family restaurant. He and his brothers and sisters made quite the workforce. During college he met the love of his life, Nancy. They were married in 1968 and began their lives in Wisconsin. It was here they had their first son, John. Soon after John's birth, Jim received a new job opportunity that moved them to San Diego, California. It was there they had their second son, Steven. They watched their sons grow, which led to a lot of time running them around. Jim began to take on volunteer roles in the boys†™ various activities including being a baseball coach, assistant soccer coach, and chaperone in Boy Scouts. He eventually took on larger roles in Boy Scouts and volunteered countless hours serving as den leader, committee member and assisting troop meetings. He also guided both sons to become Eagle Scouts. Jim was also very active in the PTA, always being on the board and serving as president twice. Jim worked for forty years as a federal civil service employee serving in the Social Security Department, Airforce, and Veteran Affairs Administration. He created deep and life long bonds with his co-workers. They were more like family than co-workers. His work moved the family a second time to Colorado, where he quickly established new bonds until his retirement in 2007. Jim spent his retirement years helping to take care of his mother-in-law, taking vacations, and dealing with his heart conditions. It was these heart conditions that led to his passing, which is fitting as it is his heart that we all remember. He was always a bright ray under any circumstance. He believed in the positive and rarely dwelled in the negative of situations he dealt with. He saw value in everyone, making sure all those in his life knew they were appreciated. He was kind to all and would always be happy to share a smile or a joke. Jim's love was even stronger for his brothers and sisters and the times they shared, his love for his wife and their 51 years of marriage and for their children they raised. He was very proud of his sons and grandsons and enjoyed staying involved in their lives, even across the miles. Jim is survived by his wife, Nancy; sons, John and Steven along with their significant others- Jennifer and Javier; grandsons, Evan and Ian; brothers, Jerry (Mary Ann), and Bob; sisters, Jennifer (Dick Seaman), Bette, and Sally; nieces, Shannon, Debbie, Jessica, Tricia and Karen; nephews, Scott, Randy, Gene, Josh, Jason, and Jerry; mother-in-law, Shirley. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Kenny and Bill. Jim may no longer be with us in person, but the light and warmth he shared with us will continue to live in all he touched. His service will be held in the spring in Mauston, Wisconsin. Memorials may be given in Jim's name to the American Heart Association.