James Victor (Skeeter) Smith

James Victor (Skeeter) Smith was born August 2, 1953, at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Idaho Falls, Idaho to Jay T. and Dolores (Macioce) “Mace” Smith. He passed away on January 14, 2023, at his home from congestive heart failure.

Skeeter was the oldest of the five Smith kids born and raised in Iona, Idaho, and baptized at Holy Rosary Catholic Parish in Idaho Falls. He was named after both of his grandpas but nicknamed “Skeeter” by his Uncle Royce, and it stuck. He was his dad’s shadow his whole life at rodeos, the racetrack as his gallop boy and jockey, up hunting or fishing, especially up on the Salmon River.

Skeeter attended Bonneville High School, graduating in 1971 and went on to ISU where he was a part of the Rodeo Team. He rodeoed for many years and was a pretty successful bull rider. He met and married Sue Saye while working at the Les Bois Park Racetrack for his dad. They were married in 1976 and became the proud parents of Branden (BJ) in 1981. Skeeter and Sue were both very active in the rodeo world, winning many saddles and belt buckles. They were later divorced.

Skeeter worked for KV Inc, and later as a supervisor for H&K Construction, retiring from there three years ago. Skeeter had a strong work ethic and high standards and expected nothing less from those that worked with him or for him. Many can share of the “experience” of what happened when you didn’t meet his standards. He was well respected by his employers and crews alike, who became his lifelong friends.

Skeeter and BJ were the best of friends. Skeeter spent most of his spare time with BJ at high school baseball games, high school rodeos, archery competitions, and out fishing and hunting. BJ tragically passed away in a car accident a year ago, leaving a huge void in Skeeter’s life.

Skeeter loved and enjoyed visiting with family, fishing buddies, coffee shop “cronies,” good friends, and his neighbors.

He is survived by his brother, Lynn (Sophia) Smith; sister, Mariann Schiewe; sister-in-law, Dr. Lynn Alderson; his nephews: Jake (Amber) Schiewe, Jade (Laura) Schiewe, Casey (Melissa) Smith, Chad (Keesha) Smith, and Chance Smith; nieces: Lynnzie Lindstrom and Kelsey (Shad) Mackert; three great-nephews: Luke, LJ, and Carter; and 4 great nieces: Leah, Jayah, Macey, and Carlie. They will all miss him greatly.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Jay T and Delores (Mace) Smith; his son, Brandon (BJ) Smith; his brothers: Jay and Vance (Boe) Smith; and his great-niece, Jaden Schiewe.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your favorite youth fishing, hunting, rodeo, 4-H, or archery program.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls, with Deacon Alvaro Ponce officiating. The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 p.m., Friday, January 20, 2023, and one hour prior to services both at the mortuary. Online condolences may be sent to www.coltrinmortuary.com.