Obituary of James Allen Smith

James "Jim" Allen Smith, 72, of Tucson, Arizona passed away on December 24, 2009. He is survived by his wife Katherine "Katy" Delebecque Smith (3rd generation Alaskan); cousins, Denise Kopp of Mason City, Iowa and Gail Pedelty of Urbandale, Iowa. He was a gentle, kind man with quiet strength and great humor. He greatly enjoyed his first 12 years in Mason City, Iowa and lived for the next 55 years in Santa Monica, California and vicinity. He retired to Tucson, Arizona five years ago. Jim graduated from Santa Monica High School, Santa Monica City College and attended Loyola Marymount University in So. California. Jim was a member of the NWYMCA and volunteered to coach basketball for 2009. He was also a volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Monica where he coached Boys Biddy Basketball for 17 years. Jim also volunteered for the boys and girls high school basketball at St. Monica's High School, and along with his wife was a designated chaperone at the school dances. Jim was married to Katy Delebecque Smith for 50 years. They were best friends and loved each other deeply. Jim suffered several years of poor health with various serious diagnoses. He beat them all against medical odds until the last one when his great heart gave out. His ashes will be scattered in Juneau, Alaska. Arrangements entrusted to Desert Sunset Funeral Home (297-9007).