James Clifford “J.C.” Smith, 84, Gladstone, passed away peacefully with family by his side on September 2, 2024. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:30 a.m., CDT on Sunday, September 15 at the Stanton Civic Center. Lunch will be served following the service.
James was born on March 14, 1940, to parents Clifford Smith and Gayle (Yunker) Smith. He lived on a ranch in Oliver County until 1949, when they moved to Stanton, ND.
At the age of 17, he graduated from high school and enlisted in the army. We all know Jim, J.C., James. He was mischievous. He went in a private and came out with an honorable discharge as a Private. But they knew they had someone special. He refused special jobs and became the personal airplane mechanic for the Commanding General of the 7th Army. No one knew why his airplane would start when it was 25 below. He was from North Dakota. He drained the oil and kept it in his tent with a candle under it, or a barracks next to his bed to keep it warm.
In 1962 he became an Ironworker.
He married Carol Veidt in 1962 and they had two children. Lyle in 1963 and Jill in 1971. With the GI bill, he attended College at Dickinson. He taught in Killdeer. During the summers, he went back to ironworking. In 1974 he returned to college and got his Master’s degree. He was the Principal at Mandaree and Superintendent at Golden Valley.
Many of his best stories over those years were about times and adventures he had with his children and many family members and friends. Amongst other things, they enjoyed hunting, fishing, sports, and family get togethers. He also loved playing guitar, piano and dancing.
In early 1980’s he returned full time to ironworking. At one time, he was sent to a city to install a new light bulb on the top of the tallest building. For a time, he was the President for the ND Ironworkers. He was very proud to be part of the Ironworkers Union 793.
In 1985, he met his future wife in Becker Minnesota while working at a coal-fired power plant. After a 29-year engagement, they married in 2014. He would often travel to Golden Valley and Dickinson on Friday and spend a quick weekend with his Children. They meant more to him than anything else.
In 1987 he wrote and ran the Jobs Training Partnership Act and reported directly to the Governor. The grant helped him get Certification to help ND Craftsmen get better jobs and more pay, such as welding and electrical work. In 1989, illness and in 1990 an accident ended his Ironworking full time.
In 1992, Jim and his partner, Mo, bought a ranch south of Gladstone. There they raised cattle for a few years, Quarter Horses, and Border Collies. At one point they had 13 dogs, 60 horses and 32 barn cats. Lyle was close by, and Jill spent a summer and many weekends there. The adventures we had are way too many to list here. Over 17 years there were many miles put on to go to ball games for his grandchildren.
James is survived by his wife, Maureen “Mo”; children, Lyle (Shary) Smith and Jill (Les) Bergquist; four grandchildren, Shawn (Kelly) Smith, James (Andi) Smith, Jocelyn (Shane) Bergquist and Taylor Bergquist, Desi Keller; four great grandchildren, Abigael Smith, Hendricks Smith, Avery Keller and Evelyn Keller; siblings, Donna Buchmann, Vernon (Sally) Smith, Carol Russell and Jodene (John) Brown; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Gayle (Yunker) Smith; sister Jeanette Stephens; brothers-in-law, Bud Buchmann, Ray Maershbecker, Lee Stephens and Bill Russell; nephews, Lonnie Russell, Charles Russell, Locke Smith, Cliff Smith; and great niece, Brittney Buchmann.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to your favorite charity in JC’s honor.
