James Richard Kaser

James Richard (Jim) Kaser, 62, born in Buffalo, N.Y., Sept. 5, 1945. Jim moved to Vero Beach, Fla., with his family. Jim and his brother Bill owned and operated Bill's TV for about 20 years. In 1984, Jim moved his family to Walland, where Jim built a "small deli" for his wife, Donna. They opened it as Country Ed's, and then turned it into Smokey's Smokehouse. Seven years ago, they swapped their aprons for antiques, and ran it as the Antique Outlet Mall. Jim was a humble carpenter; even more so, he was a devout Christian. Jim had a joke for every tale and a hand for everyone that needed help. He loved to go fishing and ride his Harley in the mountains. Everyone's face lit up when he entered a room. He had the kindest heart, and the most noble soul. Jim went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2008, with his loving wife of almost 39 years, Donna, and with his daughters, Trudy and Kim, by his side at home. Those that were left behind to cherish his memories, his love for life, is his most devoted and cherished wife, Donna Jean Kaser; daughters, Trudy Smith of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Kimberly Kaser-Rose of Knoxville; grandchildren, Zechariah James, Kelsey Nicole and Cody Key; mother and step-dad, Noreen Kaser and Bob Wagemaker of Sebring, Fla.; brother, Bill Kaser and wife Joan; nephew and nieces, Bill Kaser, Jr. and wife Sue, Julie Cantwell and husband Dave, Diane Vinegre and husband Fern, all of Vero Beach, Fla. Preceded in death by his father, William Herb; and his father and mother-in-law, Ken and Edna Towne. The Kaser family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Flickinger and Jeanne RN, Susan and Ben of Hospice, all who were amazing and an asset to our family. Also to Betty and David, special friends, who maintained the grounds and the customers of the Antique mall during that time. A service and a Celebration of Life is planned for 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, 2008, at Smithview Pavillion. All family and friends are welcome to come celebrate Jim's life. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James Richard Kaser please visit our Sympathy Store.