James "Jim" Ray Smart

James “Jim” Ray Smart, 80, of Hillister passed away Tuesday, August 2, 2022, from a lengthy illness at his home surrounded by his family.

Jim had a lifelong love for hunting, fishing, camping and the outdoors.  As a boy growing up, Jim was a Boy Scout and earned all the requirements to become an Eagle Scout.  His love from Scouting continued into his adulthood.  He worked with the following councils as the director of summer camps: Alamo Council of San Antonio, TX, Evangeline Council of Lafayette, LA and Attakapas Councils of Alexandria, LA.  Jim retired in 2002 from the Boy Scouts of America after a successful career.

Jim served his country in the Army National Guard as a sergeant for sixteen years.  He was also elected Justice of the Peace in Claiborne Parrish, Louisiana.  Above all else, he loved his family and pets and he took his role as “PawPaw” very seriously.  The lessons, jokes, and comforting stories will forever be with them.  He was referred to many times as “The Animal Whisperer.”  His way with animals revealed his patient character.  Jim’s reassuring, loving spirit will be missed by many.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Dudley and Lois Smart and beloved great grandmother, Halle Wilkin.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mildred Warford Smart; children, Timothy Smart and wife Mindy of Spurger, Kathy Lee and husband Chris of Longville, La. ,and Misty Jones and husband Dan of Sour Lake; grandchildren, Eli Smart, Levi Smart, Katy Chisholm, Jake Chisholm, Jesse Chisholm, Garin Lee, Hannah Jones, Halle Jones and Danny Jones; brothers, A.W. Smart of Homer, La., Billy Smart of Magnolia, Ar., Dudley Smart Jr. of Homer, La.; his horse, Sissy, two dogs, Molly and Timber and numerous other family members and friends. 

Pallbearers will be Jake Chisholm, Eli Smart, Levi Smart, Garin Lee, Jesse Chisholm, Danny Jones, Case Phillips, and Kurt Warford.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 6, 2022, 2 pm at the Riley Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Steven Hayes officiating, burial to follow at the Allison Cemetery in Warren, Texas. Visitation will be held Friday evening from 6pm until 9 pm at Riley’s.

The family would like to thank Olive Branch Hospice for their comfort and support during our time of need.

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