James R. Smith, Jr., age 59 of Brownville, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 24, 2025, at Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn.

Survivors include his wife Lisa; children Thomas (Clarisa) Smith of Auburn, Robert Kaelin (fiancé Sera McClay) of Auburn, Sandra (JoAnne) Kaelin of Tarkio, MO, Andrew Smith (fiancé Emily Swierczek) of Omaha; 11 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild; siblings Tony (Marilyn) Smith of Omaha, Paul Smith of Omaha, Kenny (Angelia) Smith of Liberty, MO, Christina (Derrick) Chatman of Milledgeville, GA, Leya Smith of Auburn; other relatives and many friends.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, January 31, 2026, 1:00 p.m. at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn. Private family burial will take place in Walnut Grove Cemetery at Brownville. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Friday from noon to 7:00 p.m., with family greeting friends from 5:00 to 7:00.

Memorials are suggested in lieu of flowers to family choice.