SMITH, James H.

James H. Smith, 85, of Fountain Hills, passed away May 22, 2009 at home. Born in Oklahoma, he moved with his family to Arizona at an early age, considering himself a native of Arizona. He attended Monroe Elementary and Phoenix Union High Schools as well business school. He became employed by The Arizona Republic at an early age and remained employed with the newspaper throughout his entire working career in the circulation and sales departments. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Elizabeth “Betty” of Fountain Hills; son, Dennis J. Smith, and his wife, Nancy, of Fountain Hills, son, Craig A. Smith and his wife, Jill ,of California; brother, Bob Smith of Phoenix; sister, Joanne Handy of Colorado; and four grandchildren, Parker, Jayme, Brittany and Katrina. A funeral will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, May 28, at Messinger Fountain Hills Chapel, 12065 Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills. Interment will follow at Paradise Memorial Gardens, Scottsdale. Contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley or the Phoenix Cancer Society. Fountain Hills Times 5/27/2009.