Arthur James Smith

Arthur James (Art) Smith, 93, of Plymouth, Minnesota, passed away on January 11, 2025, while in hospice at Wealshire Medina. Born on November 24, 1931, to William Arthur and Mary Ethel (Gifford) Smith in Lake Crystal, Minnesota, Art was a lifelong resident of Minnesota. Art graduated from Lake Crystal High School in 1949 and served in the United States Army from 1951-1954, including two years in Munich, Germany, where he rose to the rank of Sergeant. Upon his return to Minnesota, he resumed college classes at Mankato State and married Donna Cramer on December 18, 1954. They welcomed their only child, James Arthur Smith, on September 30, 1955. Arthur earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in music education from Mankato State College in 1957 and taught and directed Bands for one year in Hector, Minnesota. From 1958 until 1965, Art taught all levels of Band in Fairmont, Minnesota, alongside Richard Scherer. In 1961, he earned a Master's Degree in music education from Mankato State College. Art assisted in the Fairmont Band's successful performances at the 1962 Seattle World's Fair and the 1965 New York World's Fair. Art was invited to teach and to build an instrumental band program in the Rosemount Public Schools beginning in the Fall of 1965. Throughout his years there, Art collaborated closely with district administration, fellow high school, middle school, elementary teachers, and especially, with his band and choral colleagues. He served as president and as a negotiator for the teacher's association. Over a 22-year career in Rosemount District 196, he developed the district's grade 5-12 instrumental music program, increased participation by more than 10-fold, and won numerous state music contest awards. More importantly, he was dedicated to helping each and every one of his students grow as musicians, as students, and as people. Following his retirement in 1987, Art developed a music consultant business, helping school administrators and music educators identify issues and challenges within their music programs. Following his divorce, Art joined and performed on the euphonium with the Medalist Band of Bloomington, Minnesota, where he met and became engaged to Marcia L. Thoen. They were married in 1991, joined Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, traveled during summers and holidays, and attended professional concerts throughout the Twin Cities area, especially the Minnesota Orchestra. Art stayed active musically well into his 80s, performing at church and other events. At HAUMC, Art volunteered each Wednesday with the Recyclers, a group of retired church members who made repairs and improvements to the building and grounds, and who socialized with each other over coffee and treats. Art was devoted to family and friends and was a warm and humorous presence to his son, grandchildren, and all family members. Art was predeceased by his first wife, Donna, in 2023, his brothers and their wives Chet and Neva Smith, Orville and Berneda Smith, William and Ruth Smith, and his sister and her husband, Ruth and Bud Gramenz. Art is survived by his wife, Marcia Thoen, son James Arthur (Jim) Smith (Betsy Gardella), grandson Arthur Vance Corea-Smith (Danielle), granddaughter Aletha Dell Tarn (Ellis), former daughter-in-law Darien Smith, sister-in-law Deb Melgaard (Dave), nieces Sue Smith, Sandy Smith, Linda Curtis (Guy), Vicki Schaible (Kent), Deb Kessler (Dennis), Cathy Smith, Leisa Harris (Gregg), nephew Steve Smith (Tracee), niece Kelsey Ronayne (Conor), nephew Jonathan Melgaard, four great grandchildren, and many great-nieces and great-nephews. A visitation and service will be held at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, 511 Groveland Ave., Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Saturday, June 14, 2025. Visitation begins in Carlson Hall at 10 a.m. followed by an 11 a.m. funeral service in the sanctuary. All are invited to lunch, which will be served in Koinonia Hall from 12 noon until 2 p.m. Memorials preferred to Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church or to the donor's choice. The 11:00am service will be live-streamed from the church and archived on the church website: https://haumc.org/live/.

Tributes

Arthur James Smith

November 24, 1931 - January 11, 2025

Tributes

Arthur James Smith

November 24, 1931 - January 11, 2025

We are here for you 24x7

Call us and get help now

(612) 377-2203