09/27/2026
Obituary for James E. Smith Jr.
James (Jim) E. Smith Jr., age 68, of Kearney, passed away Thursday, September 24, 2026, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital, just 3 days shy of his 69th birthday. Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 1, 2026 at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral Home with Father Art Faesser officiating. Memorials are suggested to the Kearney Area Animal Shelter. Please visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a tribute or message of condolence. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.
Jim was born on September 27, 1957 in Kearney, NE to James Sr. and Kathryn (Lundy) Smith.
He graduated from Kearney High School with the class of 1976. After school Jim had various careers including owning a painting company, working at Coleman Powermate, and lastly Scott's Property Management.
Jim enjoyed fishing & hunting in his free time, as well as taking his beloved dog Gracie to the river. He may not have had a lot of luck, but he sure had a good time doing it. He also spent about every weekend watching NASCAR.
He was a loving brother, brother-in-law, uncle, nephew and friend to many and will be greatly missed.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents James Sr & Kathryn (Lundy) Smith, Aunts, Uncles, and Grandparents.
Jim is survived by his brother David (Missy) Smith, nieces Michelle Lopez, Paige (Kyle) Rademaker, nephew Brian (Hannah) Smith, great nieces and nephews; Hazel and Victor Lopez, Everton Smith, Sadie, Clara, and Leah Rademaker.
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