Obituary - James Terry Smith

James Terry Smith passed away on Friday, May 22, 2015, from cancer.  He died at home in Havre, Montana, surrounded by his wife and daughters. He was 83 years old.

Jim was born in Kalispell, Montana, on June 17, 1931, to his parents Daisy Olga (Nelson) Smith and Ervin Lytle Smith. While in high school, Jim began working for the Montana State Highway Department. He continued to work for the highway department periodically throughout his working life.

After graduating from Kalispell High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force.  He served as an airplane mechanic in Korea and was honorably discharged in 1954.

While completing his service he met Ruth Evelyn Graves in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and they married on Nov. 1, 1954.  They were married for more than 60 years.

After serving during the Korean War, Jim received a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Montana State University in 1959 and a master's degree in mathematics from the University of Denver in 1964.He worked in the aerospace industry before beginning his college teaching career.

Jim was an associate professor of mathematics at Montana State University-Northern from 1965 until his retirement in 1994. He also served as department chair for the math and science group from 1991 to 1994.  

During his tenure at Montana State University-Northern, Jim helped to set up the first computer lab on campus, and he taught all courses in the department with differential equations and linear algebra being among his favorites. In the classroom, he created a learning environment that was both challenging and rewarding for students. His teaching style was active, and he was known for asking all students questions in class and providing numerous examples of math problems.

Jim loved the outdoors and camping and was a lifelong hunter and fisherman. As department chair, he was supportive of faculty and often wove his love of the outdoors into conversations. Colleagues remember Jim as being extremely competent, a regular Montana guy, well-liked by students, a popular professor and a very nice person.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Evelyn Smith; and daughters, Terri and Melissa Smith; a son-in-law, David Saslav; as well as two grandchildren, Khetri and Cori Johnson.  

A son, Bradford Lytle Smith, and a sister, Clara Mackey preceded him in death.  

A memorial service will be held at the Van Orsdel United Methodist Church in Havre on Saturday, June 13, at 11 a.m. All who remember Jim are welcome to attend.  

Donations in Jim's name may be made to the Havre-Hill County Library or to Bear Paw Hospice.