James Edward Smith, Sr.

September 30, 1951 – May 14, 2025

James Edward "Jim" Smith, Sr., a devoted husband, loving father, and distinguished public servant, passed away peacefully at his home in Vernon, Texas. He was 73.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 2:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home with Rev. George Records and Rev. Darrell Willie officiating.

A pillar of the Texas mental health system and a beloved member of the Vernon community, Jim dedicated nearly five decades to public service. His career began in 1975 at Vernon State Hospital and culminated in his dual appointment as Superintendent of both Vernon and Wichita Falls State Hospitals, the first in Texas history to hold that distinction. Under his visionary leadership, these institutions evolved into the North Texas State Hospital, now the largest facility of its kind in the state.

Jim's work helped shape the future of forensic psychiatric care in Texas. He championed compassionate, evidence-based treatment and led initiatives that challenged conventional thinking, including the first successful campus-wide smoking ban and the creation of Village Square—a nationally recognized, recovery-focused "treatment mall" for patients. Known for his integrity, empathy, and tireless advocacy, Jim was a mentor to many and a fierce advocate for the underserved.

He held numerous credentials, including Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW), and was widely published and respected across professional associations. Yet for all his accolades, it was his humility, thoughtfulness, and unwavering devotion to his family that defined him most.

Jim was intentional in his love—never ending a conversation without reminding his children how proud he was of them. His 37-year marriage to Julie Carol Smith was one of profound devotion and deep faith. Together, they built a family rooted in commitment, resilience, and enduring love. Jim and Julie were long term members of the First Presbyterian Church in Vernon, and Jim's relationship with God and Christian faith were deeply personal to him and rooted throughout every aspect of his life.

He was a lifelong Texas Tech Red Raiders fan and treasured any opportunity to be near the water with a fly rod in hand.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Edward Eugene "Easy" Smith and Alice Marlene Rogers Smith, and his brother Ricky Smith.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Julie Carol Smith; children Caroline Smith Anderson, James Edward Smith Jr., and Alice Tate Russell and her husband Adam; grandchildren Meghan Hubbard and her husband Kasey, Felicia Davis and her husband Colton, Preston Anderson, and Julian John Russell; great-grandchild Knox Hubbard; sisters Theresa Gorton and Missy Evenson and her wife Marilou; and nephews Brent Green and his wife Jamille, Andrew Evenson, and Jack Evenson.

He leaves behind a legacy of service, wisdom, and compassion that will continue to shape lives for generations to come.

Memorials can be given to the North Texas State Hospital.