Joe Smith

Joe Smith, 83, of Nampa, passed away Monday, October 3rd 2016 at his home of natural causes surrounded by his loved ones. Joe was born at home September 18th, 1933, in Nampa, to James and Avo Smith. He was the 7th of 10 children and grew up on a farm south of Lake Lowell. He attended elementary and middle school at Lakeview School. He graduated from Nampa High School in 1952. He served in the U.S. Army from 1956-1958. He worked for the railroad, custom farming, and for Board of Control until he started his career with Trus-Joist. While at Trus-Joist Joe helped developed the wood trusses that span the Kibbie Dome and are still in place today. It was during his time at Trus-Joist that he met and married the love of his life Christy Shenk in 1976. A year later they welcomed their first of two children Jamie Jolene born February 1977 followed two years later by Matthew Joseph born September 1979. He continued to work at Trus-Joist as a plant manager until he took early retirement at 56 to pursue his true passion, farming. Joe purchased a farm near the original homestead and moved his family to Nampa. For the next twenty years he grew some of the valley’s best fruit and vegetables. Joe opened Smith’s Produce, his family run business which was best known for cantaloupe and watermelon. He also distributed his produce to fruit stands across the valley. Joe always appreciated getting a chance to enjoy some great homegrown produce. He loved spending time with friends and family. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and mushroom hunting. Joe was preceded in death by his parents James and Avo; brothers Jack, Ralph and Jerry Smith as well as his sisters Jimmie Virostko, Ruth Van Curen and Marie Helms. He is survived by his wife Christy and his children Jamie and Matthew Smith, brothers; John Smith, Robert (Linda) Smith, Tom (Carol) Smith, and sister- in-law Sharon Smith, beloved nieces and nephews; Geraldine Van Curen, Barbra Steele, Mack and Elaire Bachman, Mackenzie (August) and McKinley Johnson, and Tim (Whitney) Bachman. Services will be held at 3:00 PM on Monday, October 17th 2016 at Flahiff Funeral Chapel, 624 Cleveland Blvd, Caldwell, ID 83605. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Susan G. Komen foundation at ww5.komen.org. Condolences may be left at www.flahifffuneralchapel.com Service Information