Dr. James H. Smart

Dr. James H. Smart, 88, Washington, died Thursday, April 13, 2023, at Abilene Place in Abilene, KS. A Celebration of Life Service was held at 1 p.m., Monday, April 17, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Washington. Burial was in the Washington City Cemetery. Jim was born February 18, 1935, on a farm in Republic County near Norway, KS, to Melvin and Pearl (Meyer) Smart. The family moved to Linn, where his father was the school principal. After four years in Linn they spent a year in Greenleaf. In 1945, they moved to Washington and called Washington home from then on. He graduated from Washington High School, where he was active in all sports, music and church. After high school, he attended Kansas State University for six years. In 1957, Jim received his Bachelor’s degree and in 1959 he received his Doctor’s Degree in Veterinary Medicine. In 1954, he married the love of his life, Billie Jo Krueger. They were blessed with two children, Lori and Doug. After graduating from Vet School, they moved to Fredonia, KS, where he practiced with Dr. Jim Porter for about six months. In January 1960, they moved to Washington and went into practice with Dr. Max Beam. Jim served as mayor, city council member and held numerous positions in the church. He was very active in Rotary, which meant a lot to him. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, baseball, golf, and music. He played the sax in school bands and played for dances through high school and college. He sang for many funerals, weddings and other occasions. His family, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were especially precious to him. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Patsy Ann Hubbard. Survivors include his wife. Billie Jo; son, Doug (Debbie) Smart, Abilene, KS; daughter, Lori (Douglas) Coleman, Manhattan, KS; five grandchildren, Scott Coleman, Hayley Bieker, Jessica Goodale, Becky Rankin and Robin Smart; and ten great-grandchildren. A memorial fund is established to the Washington High School Endowment Fund or Washington County Hospital Foundation. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dr. James H. Smart, please visit our flower store.