James Smyth

Memorial services with military honors for James Franklin Smyth, 78, will be held November 28, 2018, 11:00 AM at Shreveport Community Church with Pastors Bruce Ewing and Brian Opbroek officiating. Inurnment will be at the NW LA Veterans Cemetery. Jim was born April 28, 1940 in Morgantown, WV to Cecil and Jessie Smyth and went to be with the Lord on November 15, 2018 in Shreveport, LA with his wife by his side. He proudly served his country for 20 years in the United States Army. He served two tours in Vietnam. He received the Purple Heart on his first tour for wounds he received as an Infantry Platoon Leader. He earned his Army Aviation Wings at Fort Rucker, Alabama and was reassigned to Vietnam for his second tour. While flying recon missions over hostile enemy positions he exercised great professionalism and bravery and was awarded the Bronze Star. He was also a 9 time recipient of the Air Medal. He was nominated for the Army Commendation Medal with V devise for Valor for his support of ground troops in a major battle with the enemy. Jim was an avid hunter and marksman and managed the Heidelberg Rod and Gun Club in Heidelberg, Germany for several years. He spoke fluent German and made many friends in the civilian and military community. He was a great ambassador for the U.S. Forces in Germany and made many life long memories of wonderful times in the beautiful green forests with all his Jaeger friends and his dogs, Cajun, Ani, and Poly Girl. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Butch Smyth, Charles Smyth, John Morris, and Sharron Floyd. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 50 years, Margurite Smyth; sons, James Franklin Smyth, Jr. and Ernest Smyth; grandson, Ethan Smyth; sisters, Patty Gaspar, Martha Scafella, Alice Wolfe, and Mary Gage; brothers, Joe Morris and Paul Morris; a special Aunt Sarah, and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to Shreveport Community Church, 5720 Buncombe Rd, Shreveport, LA 71129. The family would like to express their deep appreciation for all the prayers and many acts of kindness during this difficult time. A special thanks to the staff of Overton Brooks ICU teams, Willis Knight North Medical Center, the Willis Knighton Rehabilitation Center, and the NW LA War Veterans Home. Auf Wiedersehen My Love