Son of Lot Smith & Diantha Mortensen

Married to Winnie Elizabeth Bigler, 16 Jul 1913, Central, Graham, Arizona

From Graham County Guardian May 27, 1970, Front Page
JAMES M. SMITH, FORMER POLITICIAN-RANCHER DIES

James M. Smith, formerly of Central, died Sunday in a Mesa rest home after a long illness. He was a former state senator from Graham County, cattle rancher and state highway commissioner.

Mr. Smith was born in Tuba City, was a member of a pioneer Mormon family that moved to Safford [valley] when he was 6. He was a cattle rancher at Central and in other locations in the state, including the Twin Lakes Big Ranch in Mohave County, which he sold for more than $6 million in 1962.

A lifelong Democrat, Mr. Smith served in the Arizona House of Representatives in the early 1920s and was Graham County Assessor for eight years, as well as a sheriff's deputy. He served in the Arizona Senate from 1954 to 1960 but was unsuccessful to two attempts to become governor. He was appointed to the State Highway Commission by Gov. Sidney Osborn and later served on the State Hospital Board.

A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mr. Smith held the office of High Priest, and had served in various capacities in the Church, holding such prominent positions as Bishop of the Central Ward and as President of the St. Joseph Stake. Mr. Smith was well known throughout the Gila Valley as a kind and generous man. His contributions to assist those in need with either good deeds or in a financial manner, was the salvation of many who received his help. Prior to the Christmas holidays Mr. Smith was known to butcher several head of beef and distribute the meat among those whom he felt could use it for their holiday meals, for many it was the making of a hearty meal they seldom enjoyed.

His contribution to the economy of Graham County, and the State of Arizona, will be noted by those who knew him well. He worked diligently for what he thought was right, and stood firm when he felt his convictions were justified. He was good man, a devoted husband, loving father, and a kind neighbor, and a wise statesman.

Two funeral services will be held, one on Thursday in Phoenix, the other to be held in Thatcher at the St. Joseph Stake Chapel on Friday, May 29, at 10:00 a.m.

Survivors include his wife, Winnie Bigler Smith; eight sons, Dale of Chandler, Omer of Central, Keith of Thatcher, Eldon of Mesa, Kent of Kingman, Dr. Max of Kailua, Hawaii, Dr. Lot of Central, and Roger of Pima, and one daughter, Mrs. Ross Bryce of Pima.