Jimmy “Jim” Carroll Smith, 84, of Paducah, passed into the arms of Jesus at 1:05 a.m., Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Ray & Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center.
Jim was born, February 27, 1939, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Jim was a graduate of Eatonville High School, now North Forest High School. He attended, on a football scholarship, the University of Southern Mississippi where he played quarterback for the football team. Jim served his country, in Germany from 1962 until 1967, serving four years in the Army Reserves. He began his career in the work place with IC Railroad as a railroad detective, traveling from New Orleans to Chicago until 1964. In 1964, he began his 26 year career with Sears. He started his employment as a sales associate and rapidly advanced with many promotions to Operations Manager in Jackson, Missouri. Later, Jim was transferred to Paducah as Operations Manager to be instrumental in overseeing the construction of the Kentucky Oaks Mall anchor store, Sears, in 1983. In 1987, Jim moved to Memphis, Tennessee to become Operations Manager of White Haven Mall from which he retired. Jim always felt the need to be working and was very motivated to make a difference in the lives of his employees leading him to return to work after retirement. He traveled for 12 years up and down the East Coast as Regional and District Manager for Monro Automotive and Tuffy Automotive. He then managed Midas for five years until 2011 and then became part of the Advance Auto Parts staff for 10 years. Illness drove him into retirement, but Jim never gave up the will to return to work.
Jim was a gentle man and a man of strong faith in his Lord. He loved the Lord with all of his heart, soul and mind. Jim had a strong character of integrity and love for his family. He was the rock of the family that cared and gave his wife, Esta and step-sons, Master Sargeant Aaron C. Torian and firefighter Nathan Torian, every ounce of his love and support to protect them. He taught Aaron and Nathan the role they should strive to be as men of character in which they both achieved beautifully as husbands, Dad’s and by serving their country (Aaron) and community (Nathan). Jim was a humble man and was so very loving. After 40 plus years, Jim and Esta never had an argument.
Jim loved his family in Mississippi and talking with his brother and niece every day for many years. He was always a “class act”. Jim’s passion was Alabama football. He and his wife watched SEC football for over 40 years. “Roll Tide” was his motto.
Jim is survived by his wife, Esta Rowland Smith, for a beautiful 40 plus years of marriage; step-son, Nathan Torian (Noel) of Paducah; five grandchildren, Elijah, LauraBella, Avery, Nyxxan and Trace; daughter-in-law, Jurley P. Torian; nieces, Becky Hayden, Karen Harless (Johnny), Beverly McHale (Mark), Sharon Cameron (Chuck); nephews, John Harless (Lauren), Justin Harless (Shelly), Quinten Rowland, Cameron Rowland; great-nieces, Jennifer, Marlee, Jaden, Laynee, Ava; great-nephews, Tyler, Jacob, Jason Hayden and Shane Hayden.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Preston A. Smith and Erma Lee Bullock Smith; brother, Tarver “T” Smith; step-son, Master Seargeant Aaron C. Torian; mother-in-law, Nettie Gibbs; brother-in-law, Randy Rowland; sister-in-law, Robbie Hayden.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 15, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Heartland Church with Dr. Nathan Joyce and Pastor Russ Wilson officiating. Burial will follow the service at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 15, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. until the service time of 1:00 p.m. at Heartland Church.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to: Heartland Church, 4777 Alben Barkley Dr. Paducah, KY 42001, Ray & Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center, 1530 Lone Oak Rd. Paducah, KY 42003 or Mercy Health Lourdes Hospice, P. O. Box 7100, Paducah, KY 42002.
The entire family would like to deeply give love and appreciation to the entire medical staff of Ray & Kay Eckstein Cancer Institute for the treatment and care during Jim’s journey through cancer. Also, Thank You to all the “Angel’s” caring for Jim from Lourdes Mercy Health Hospice and lastly, the Ray & Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center for caring and loving my Jim and me as God called him “Home”. Jim is in a beautiful place, Heaven. Praise and Glory to my God. Thank you Lord for the blessing of being Jim’s wife for over 40 years.
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