Sgt. James R Smith

James R Smith was born 4 October 1921 to Charles Arthur Smith and Hazel Vern Wright in St. Maries, Idaho.

1930 Census:
James R Smith was 8 years old born in Idaho living with his parents and siblings in St. Maries, Beneway, Idaho. Charles A was 41 years old born in Tennessee as were both his parents. He was first married at age 28 and works as a clerk for a hardware store. Mother Hazel V is 34 years old born in Wisconsin, Her father born in Canada and her mother born in Minnesota. She was first married at age 22. Brother Edward F is 11 years old born in Idaho. Sister Elda E is 10 years old born in Idaho. Sister Mary J is 6 years old born in Idaho. Sister Alice L is 3 years old born in Idaho.

1930 Census

1940 Census

1940 Census: 
James R Smith was 18 years old born in Idaho living with his parents and siblings in St. Maries, Benewah, Idaho. His occupation is a clerk (????). He completed 4 years of High school. Father Charles A is 51 years old born in Tennessee having completed 8 years of school, working as a clerk in (???) Hardware. Mother hazel V is 44 years old born in Wisconsin, completed 1 year of college. Brother Edward is 21 years old born in Idaho working as a clerk in a bakery, completed 4 years of High school. Sister Elda is 20 years old born in Idaho working as a clerk in confectionery, completed 4 years of High school. Sister Mary J is 16 years old born in Idaho is in her 3rd ear of high school. Sister Alice L is 13 years old born in Idaho is in the 7th grade. 

Sources:
Ancestry
Lt. Col. Jim Broyles

Researcher Note:
So far as of time of this published page, I have found no other documents relating to his military service. Because of his (and other service men's) ages, certain year records are still classified and protected.
I have however been in contact with a relative of James and look forward to hearing more about this hero.


James never married. Family was told that he was on his way home for leave.