James, “Jimmy” Smith , Sr., was the oldest, born on March 20, 1972 in Poplar, MT to Renee Melbourne and Duane Timothy Smith, Sr.
He was given the Indian name of “Lean Elk”, “Hehaka Tamaheca”. Which he carried proudly.
Jimmy was a very active and free spirited man. He loved to be outdoors where he liked to fish, hunt, tinker with cars, cook, and build things. In his younger years he loved to play football, play cards, draw, play pool, and play guitar. Jimmy was the founder and ring leader of the “Wrecking Crew”, a name his Auntie Arlene gave the boys.
He loved learning his Sioux way of life. He loved to sing Indian songs, attend ceremonies, and was learning to speak his language. He always told everyone he was proud to be a direct descendent from the No Breast, and the Bad Temper Bear, families.
Everyone who knew Jimmy, knew he was a proud family man. He would love to sit and visit and hang out. He loved to tease and give everyone nicknames. Jimmy had a few himself, Bigfoot, Jesse Jaymes, Brother James and he was Sister’s Cupcake.
Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents, Renee Melbourne and Duane “Timmy” Smith, Sr. Grandmas; Bonnie Belle Renz, and Cynthia Johnson. Grandpas; Arnold Johnson, Isadore Johnson, Manuel Melbourne, Sr., and James Smith. Aunts; Cheryl Cloud, Paula Melbourne, Arlene Ferguson, Mona Black Dog, Beulah Grandboise and Gayle Johnson. Uncles; Lionel Johnson, Charles “Lenny” Smith, Sandy Grainger, Howard “Buddy” Grainger, and Shep Ferguson. Others preceding him in death include, Jimmy Grandboise,Clifford Grandboise, Alex Sterns, Fred “Boo” Archdale, Jeri LaVonne Cloud, and Marcus and Shelly Johnson.
Survivors include, Jimmy’s daughters; Chantel Adrianna, and Miracle Mae. His son, James, Jr. Brothers; Thomas (Sharla) Smith, of Billings; Duane (Trina) Smith, Jr. of Billings; and Tom Scott of Fort Kipp, JD (Rose) Ferguson of Bismarck, ND. Sisters; Vermae (Robert) Brown of Poplar; Sandra (Patrick) Owns Pipe Ricker of Wolf
Point; Stephanie Cloud of Poplar; Joel Rae (John) Ferguson House of Hardin; and Faye Johnson of Poplar, Colleen “Koshi Bear” Ferguson. Grandmothers; Donna Chase of Chelsea and Lydia Johnson of Wapato, WA. Aunts; Eliza Red Elk, Sissy Atkinson, Bobbi Hegdahl, Marilee Buckles, and Marqueta Colgan. Uncles: Manny (Aleta) Melbourne Jr., Amos Cloud, Sr., Ronnie Grainger, Russell (Verdis) Mail, Clifford Melbourne, allan Mail, Wendall Mail, Morris Buckles, Malcolm Bailey, and Harold Bailey. Nephews; CT Smith who Jim named “Kiya Beans”, Maschil “Bubba” Boyd, Chance Boyd, Joseph Boyd, Haden Standing Water of Lame Deer, Jayden James Smith, and Duane Smith III, of Billings, and Kokipasni O’Waci Owns Pipe of Wolf Point. Nieces; Bree Smith of Poplar, Mariah Smith and Aliyah Smith of Billings, and Kayleigh, Cheryl and Isabella Owns Pipe, (whom he loved to watch dancing). Cousins; Ronnie, Brandy, and Buddy Smith, and Sunee Erickson and family, Shirley Jackson and family, Diane Taypayosatum and family, Clifford Grandboise and family, Michelle and Monica Melbourne and Nina (Alan) Haugen of North Dakota.
We will always hold you next to our hearts! Love and miss you Big Bub always, give Mom and Dad a squeeze for us! And, Jesus loves you!
A wake will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 27, 2014 at the Poplar Activity Center. Funeral services will be held on Monday, July, 28, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Activity Center. Interment will follow at the Poplar City Cemetery. Condolences for the family may be left at www.claytonstevensonchapel.com . Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.