Courtland Smith

Courtland B. Smith - 03/31/2003 Courtland B. Smith - 03/31/2003 COURTLAND B. SMITH IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Courtland Baker Smith, a well-loved Idaho Falls native and friend to many, went home to God on March 27, 2003. Court was born the second of four sons to Jay J. and Ethel Curley Smith in Idaho Falls on July 12, 1921. He enjoyed a rich heritage in this community as the grandson of Bowen Curley, former mayor of Idaho Falls, and Kate Curley, who served as president of the School Board. He was raised in the home on the corner of Maple and Ridge that his grandparents built in 1900. Following his graduation from Idaho Falls High School in 1939, Court attended the Franklin and Marshall Academy in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He then entered Colorado College and began his long association with the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Throughout his life, he loved being a “Beta.” During World War II Court served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps. After the war, he completed his business degree at the University of Idaho,where he met his love and lifelong partner, Margie Jackson. Court chose to spend his life in his hometown of Idaho Falls and as a result of his varied friends and business opportunities, he had extensive ties throughout the country. In addition to being a local businessman in the area for many years, his career included managerial positions at First Security Bank and Bauchmans' Idaho Falls Electric. He worked in public relations and corporate communications for General Electric in the Aircraft Nuclear Propulsion Department. He also enjoyed several years in Real Estate sales followed by a position as Assistant Administrator of the Sacred Heart Hospital. He was Executive Secretary of the Intermountain Division of the United Ski Association. His personal business ventures included Smith's Paperhouse, CBS Enterprises and Anderson Street Laundry. In his later years he thoroughly enjoyed being part of the staff at the Driftwood-Best Western Motel. Court spent considerable energy in serving his community. He developed an early interest in politics and helped in campaigns at the state and local levels. He took an active role in fund raising for the March of Dimes. He was active in the Exchange Club service organization and served as the local president as well as the Yellowstone District President. He valued his membership in the Elks Lodge, Masonic Lodge, and American Legion. Court relished the honor of being one of the longest active members of the First Presbyterian Church and he remained involved in his church as a contributing member throughout the years. Above all, Court loved his family and he dedicated many years to caring for his own parents. He enjoyed seeing his granddaughters grow and took frequent trips to visit them and remain involved in their lives. He will be remembered as a devoted husband and loving, proud father. As a fun loving man, he enjoyed skiing, playing tennis and cheering for the Idaho Vandals. Over the years he was a mentor and friend to many. Court had a quality of prizing everyday satisfaction and valuing relationships whether new or ties with old friends. He mixed in humor whenever he could do so, and he was unashamed to shed a tear about sadness or pure joy. Court's giving heart and caring spirit will forever live on in the lives of those he touched. He was a treasured member of the community and he will truly be missed. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Margaret Jackson Smith; daughter, Pamela Peacock of Phoenix; daughter, Courtney Jelaco and her husband Ron of Seattle; granddaughters Pele Peacock and Louisa Jelaco; brothers, Bowen and his wife Diane of Dana Point, CA and Whitney and his wife Judy of St. Lucie, FL, Sisters-in-law, Ruth Ellen Parke of Gooding and June Smith of San Pedro, CA; and eight nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Greg, of San Pedro. CA. Funeral Services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church (325 Elm Street) on Wednesday, April 2, 2003 at 4:00 p.m. followed by interment at Rose Hill Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends on Wednesday from 3-3:45 p.m. at the church. Military Rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Team. Memorial contributions for a park bench to be placed in Kate Curley Park can be sent to the Bank of Idaho, 399 N. Capital Avenue, Idaho Falls, ID 83403 If you would like to offer your condolences fill in the form below. Name E-Mail Message [ Previous Obituary - Celia Stuart | Current Obituary | Next Obituary - Hyrum J. Longmore ]