James Brank Smith

Posted

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James Brank Smith, better known as JB, passed away peacefully after a lingering illness Jan. 18 in Colorado Springs. He was 79, born Dec. 17, 1941, in Rockford, Ill., to parents Florbel and Morrey Smith.

Prior to moving to Pagosa, JB invested in real estate and owned and edited newspapers in several small Colorado towns. An avid reader, JB owned and operated a bookstore in Olathe, Colo. Later in life, he was active in the Pagosa Springs Senior Center.

In his youth, JB worked in Colombia in the U.S. Peace Corps. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, his Colombian wife and adopted son. He is survived by second cousins Dave and Jody Nelson, of Colorado Springs. No services are planned at this time.