James Harvey Smith

James H. ""Jimmy"" Smith, 80 Lakeland- James H. Smith passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 after a long battle with pulmonary fibrous. Born in Tampa, Fl, January 27, 1932. He served his country in the Navy from 1951-1955. He was employed with Florida Georgia Tractor Company, Tampa and Florida Georgia/HF Mason Equipment Company in Lakeland for a period of ten years. James founded his own business in 1965, Smith Equipment and Supply Company which has grown in the now 47 years as one of the largest bush manufacturing companies in the United States and serving Canada, overseas as well as the military. All this wouldn""t have taken place without the dedication of his wife and children. He was very proud of all his children for without their dedication the company would not have grown into what it is today. Jim was a family man and will be missed by all who knew him. Jim had a memorabilia of Coca Cola machines and other collectable items. Jim also enjoyed restoring a 1955 Ford pickup truck to its original state. James is preceded in death by his son, Kim Allen Smith, a brother William P. Smith, his parents, Edwin J. Smith and Almeria Smith of Tampa. James is survived by his wife of 59 years Ginger Smith, sons and daughter, Keith E. Smith, wife Betty, daughter, Keely Friend, husband Brian, son Karey J. Smith, wife, Alison all of Lakeland. Grandchildren, Loni Smith, Kyle Smith, wife, Jodi, Amanda Romero, husband, Samuel, Joshua Friend, wife, Greta, Summer Mayer, husband, Brian and Luke Smith. Five great-grandchildren, Uriah and Mari Romero, Corrianne and Amelia Friend and Chole Mayer. Surviving brothers and sisters, Edwin J. Smith, Welborn, Fl, Charles R. Smith, Plant City, Fl, Delores Causy, Melbourne, Fl and Marianne Lee, Flora City, Fl. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 18, 2012 from 6-8 pm at Heath Funeral Chapel. Burial services will be held for James, Monday, May 21, 2012 at 11 am at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Fl. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice, Lakeland, Fl and or the Lung/Heart foundation will be appreciated. Service: 05/21/2012 Florida National Cemetery 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, Florida. 33513 Heath Funeral Chapel Visitation: 05/18/2012 Heath Funeral Chapel