James H Smith

James H Smith, also known as Jim or Chuck, 91, of Waite Park, Minnesota formerly of Frazee, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on December 11,2025, in his home in Waite Park.

James was born in Clinton, Arkansas on June 25, 1934, the son of Walter Jewel(Chuck) and Bonnie (Burnett) Smith. He is survived by two sisters, Marylee Noble and Carolyn Bakalekos.

After high school James graduated from Ouachita Baptist College in 1956, where he was a member of the football team. He earned a teaching degree at Ouachita and then went on to earn his masters degree.

His first teaching/coaching job was in Ropesville, TX and then on to Douglas,Arizona, where he met his wife Dolores. In 1960 they moved to Frazee, Minnesota, where they both coached various sports in high school until his retirement in 1993.

His wife Dolores (Briggs) Smith passed away in 2004 and he is survived by his two children Jamie Hansen and Michael Smith; four grandchildren, Rob, Rachel, Bailey, and Megan; five great grandchildren Zayne,Philip, Ruthie,Jacqueline, and Kadyn.

James loved to camp, hunt ,fish and he drove a school bus and volunteered his time to Frazee athletics in his retirement years. He was known for loving to talk and tell jokes and never lost that southern accent. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren.

A graveside service at Lakeside Cemetery and a celebration of life will be held in the spring of 2026 in Frazee, MN, date to be determined.