Jim Smiley was born in March 1943 in Puyallup, Washington, to James and Sylvia Smiley. He was the second of five children. They moved to Mount Vernon, Washington, where he graduated in 1961. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Coast Guard, serving eight years in the reserves. He met and married Bonnie Fitch in 1966. Jim drove truck for Milkey Way, then in 1974 went to Centralia Coal Mine, where he worked as a shovel operator until retiring after 31 years in 2005. Jim spent years volunteering for the Boy Scouts of America, the Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis, and presenting Quilts of Valor. During his scouting years, Jim was a den leader, Cub Scout pack leader, assistant scoutmaster, and district committee member, earning the Silver Beaver and Wood Badge for leadership. He is survived by his wife of 58 years; son, Jay; daughter, Carol; brothers, Tom and George; sister, Francine; four grandchildren; and one greatgrandchild. He was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth Callahan. Following a private graveside service at Grand Mound Cemetery, a memorial service will be held on April 16 at the Twin Cities Church of Christ in Centralia at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Boy Scouts of America, Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis, or Quilts of Valor. In Loving Memory Of James S. Smiley 1943 ~ 2025