The Goldendale Sentinel, Goldendale, WA., April 10, 1952, page 12
LOGGING ACCIDENT TAKES LIFE IS JIM SMITH, 23, APRIL 3
Jim Smith, 23, was killed when hit by a tree being felled in the
woods near Gilmer last Thursday.
Services were held from the Gardner Funeral Home in White Salmon
Monday at 9:00 a.m. with The Rev. Ring officiating. Interment was made in the
High Prairie Cemetery. Pallbearers were H. Matlock. Maze Kelso, Floyd Jacobs,
Horace White, John Hayne, Geo. Vance and Homer Babcock.
The young man was employed by his uncle at the time of the accident.
According to reports, Jim was hit by the end of a tree that was being felled by
his uncle and another worker.
He was born, February 2, 1929, in Mabton. He attended grade and high
school in Lompac, California. While in high school he was active in all
activities. He was elected president of his class and president of the varsity
club one year. He was a record winner in football, basketball and baseball. He
graduated in 1948.
Following graduation he worked as a journeyman plumber until called
into service with the army on Sept. 1, 1950.
He was a member of Battery C. 181st Field Artillery, 40th
Inf. division. Before being discharged on November 14, 1951, at Camp Stoneman,
Calif., he was promoted to the rank of Master Sgt. He had been on occupation
duty in Japan for seven months.
At the time of his death he was still a member of the California
National Guard.