James Everette Smart

Raised by his parents Redman and Celia Smart alongside brother W.A., Jimmy called the area around Utopia his stomping grounds. If you sat with him long enough Jimmy would tell you one of many, oftentimes colorful tales from his days growing up. Whether it was trading his mother’s biscuits for tortillas with migrant workers, shearing with his dad and brother, or one of his many other escapades, you were sure to be entertained. 

Jimmy had two sons, Jimmy Jr. and Clint Smart of Pearsall, TX. His family quickly grew to a family with 4 sons when he became Dad to Chris and Curtis Yeschke, whom he considered as his own when he started a new chapter of his life by marrying his wife of over 36 years, Barbara. Jimmy always thought of himself as a loving husband and father to four wonderful sons. 

Jimmy was a true “Cowboy” in many aspects of his life. He was quite resourceful and mechanically inclined.  If he could not fix something with bailing wire, duct tape, or PB Blaster, it really didn’t need to be fixed. Jimmy was also very proud of his service in the US Army. He was kind, courteous, and would give the shirt off his back to anybody who asked for it. Jimmy was known for his “unique” sense of humor and would often tease and joke around with those he liked. In that regard, he really wanted to make sure to let everyone know that,  even in death, he would never vote for a DemoRat. Jimmy never met a stranger and was loved by many. He will be deeply missed. As he would so often say as he headed out of the door, “See you in the funny papers!” 

James was preceded in death by his parents Redman and Celia Smart of Utopia; older brother W.A. Smart, of Sabinal; and best friend and work buddy Daniel Landeros,of Knippa. He is survived by his wife Barbara Smart, of Sabinal; sons Jimmy Smart and Clint Smart and wife, April, both of Pearsall;  Christopher Yeschke and wife, Valerie, of Leakey; and Curtis Yeschke, of Sabinal;  grandchildren Liberty Yeschke, of Leakey; Makayla Smart, of Pearsall; Caleb Yeschke, of Leakey; Walter Smart, Holly Smart, and Syra Smart, all of Pearsall. Honorary pallbearers are George Driskill, John Driskill, Johnny Smart, and Jacob Smart, all of Sabinal, Micheal Smart, of Castroville, Steve Corralls of Pearsall and the late Daniel Landeros, of Knippa.

A memorial service will be held Monday, July 31, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. at Rushing-Estes-Knowles Mortuary in Sabinal. 

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to an EMS of your choice.