James Burt Smith Jr.

James Burt Smith, Jr of Clifton passed away Thursday, July 23, 2015 in Waco, Texas. A graveside service was held Saturday, July 25, 2015 in Hamilton, Texas. The eulogy was given by Clarence Fields, Jr. Scriptures were read by Judge David Christian with a closing prayer by Dr. Bill Craig.
Jim was born July 13, 1937 in Galveston, Texas to James Burt Smith, Sr. and Mamie Marvin Teutsche. He was raised in Texas City where he graduated from high school at 16. He attended Tarleton State College, then transferred to North Texas State College where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon.
After graduating from college, he married Nancy Fay Strickland of Hamilton in 1958 and moved to Clifton in 1960. He worked for the Clifton branch of Kimball Milling Company as General Manager. In 1966, Jim became the first Administrator of Goodall-Witcher Hospital, and was instrumental in the planning of the current hospital in 1972. He was also involved in many of the additions we enjoy today. Not only was Jim instrumental in local healthcare, he was involved on the state level as well.
Jim was a founding member of Texas Organization of Rural and Community Hospitals (TORCH) and numerous other healthcare organizations. His most prized achievement was the Earl M. Collier award in 2001 for most outstanding Rural Hospital Administrator in Texas. He retired from Goodall-Witcher in 2002.
Just as in healthcare, he showed great commitment to his community by serving as city councilman, 2 terms as Mayor, President of Chamber of Commerce, and was a member of the Clifton Lions Club. He also served as Chairman of the Heart Of Texas Council of Government.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy and Daughter Jenny.