Jim R. Smoots

Jim R. Smoots, 78, of Fishers, Indiana, passed away on October 26, 2023. He was born on May 10, 1945, in Kendallville, Indiana, to parents, Russell Smoots and Faye (Herendeen) Smoots.  

Jim grew up in Wawaka, Indiana and graduated as valedictorian of Wawaka High School in 1963. He received a full-ride scholarship to Tri State University for basketball. He played all four years, scored around 1400 points, and was later inducted into the Tri State University Athletic Hall of Fame. He was also a proud member of the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity.  Jim graduated from Tri State in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and started his accounting career at CTS in Elkhart. He earned a Master of Science in Education from Saint Francis College in 1974. He taught business classes at West Noble High School and was the JV basketball coach for four years. He was hired by Sam Patton Accounting where he worked until retirement in 2018. Jim loved sports, especially playing basketball and golf.   

In 1961, Jim met Patricia LeMieux at a dance and their relationship began. They were married on July 16, 1966. They spent over 60 wonderful years together and were blessed with two children, Pam and Tim. Later in life he was enriched by his four grandchildren, one great granddaughter, and many nieces and nephews. 

Before moving to Fishers in 2021, Jim and Pat lived in Kendallville, IN on Cobblestone Golf Course for 20 years. They enjoyed golfing together and also with many friends. They loved vacationing on Hilton Head Island, creating wonderful memories with their family. 

Survivors include his children, Pam (Randy) Shoemaker and Tim (Laura) Smoots; grandchildren, Kayla (Ben) Van Hook, Spencer (Rebekah) Shoemaker, Daniel Smoots, Ben Smoots; great granddaughter, Millie Van Hook; and sisters, Sally Davis and Linda Frick. 

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Patricia "Pat" Smoots; parents, Russell and Faye Smoots; and siblings, Ron Smoots and Sharon Stuart.  

A Memorial Gathering for Jim will be from 1-3pm on Friday, November 10, 2023, at Flanner Buchanan – Oaklawn Memorial Gardens (Conner Suite) – 9700 Allisonville Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46250, with a memorial service to follow at 3pm.  

Following the memorial gathering there will be a private ceremony for the family where the urn will be placed in its final resting location.  

Memorial contributions in his name may be made to Heart to Heart Hospice Foundation (https://www.htohhfoundation.org/donation/ ) or American Heart Association (https://www.heart.org/en/get-involved/ways-to-give )