James Willis Smith, 91, formerly of Moran and most recently of Iola, died at Windsor Place Nursing Home in Iola Wednesday afternoon, June 22, 2016. He was born Jan. 10, 1925 in Mound City, the son of George Henry and Leota Irene (Willis) Smith. He married Helen Marie Ross May 29, 1948, in Syracuse, and she preceded him in death Sept. 3, 2012.
Jim was a barber and owned and operated Jim’s Barber Shop on the square in Iola from 1959 until 2006.
Survivors include his children, P.J. Smith, Leawood, Jimmy Ross Smith, Iola, and Alan L. Smith, Wichita; four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. In addition to his wife Helen, Jim was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Mary Ann Smith, and an infant brother.
Per his wishes, Jim was cremated. Family and friends are invited to gather for a Celebration of Life from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Cedarbrook Estates clubhouse at 2806 N. Cottonwood, Iola.
