James Douglas Smith, age 68, of Springfield, MO, passed away Sunday, June 26, 2011 in his home with his wife, and his faithful canine companion Mackenzie by his side after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born August 19, 1942, in Lebanon, MO., to Elmer and Mary (Muldrow) Smith. He was a graduate of Poplar Bluff High School. He was a retired Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper, after 28 years of service. After his retirement, he worked as a school resource officer, with the Springfield Public Schools. He served in the U.S. Navy, aboard the USS Seminole, during the Vietnam War.
He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife Beverly Smith, of the home; a daughter, Elizabeth Leigh Burlison, and her husband Don, of Springfield; a brother, Richard Smith, and his wife Molly, of Asheville, NC; and the light of his life, his grandson, Colton McKinley Burlison. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, June 30, 2011, in Greenlawn Funeral Home North, with burial to follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Springfield MO. Visitation will be Wednesday, evening from 6 to 8 p.m. in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society or to the Ozarks Food Harvest. Services have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield, Mo. Online condolences may be made at www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com