Taylorsville crossing guard dies after being hit by car

TAYLORSVILLE — A crossing guard hit by a car last month has died from his injuries.

James "Jim" Smith died Jan. 1, police here said Wednesday. Smith, 78, was working as a crossing guard outside Bennion Jr. High School and Calvin Smith Elementary School near 5900 South and 2700 West when he was hit by the car Dec. 16. The crash remains under investigation by the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office, police said.

"Jim was a lifelong Taylorsville resident and one of our most dedicated and valued crossing guards. he truly cared about his assignment and never missed a day. Jim loved serving the students of Bennion Jr. High, as well as others, and will be missed," Taylorsville Mayor Russ Wall said in a statement Tuesday.

Funeral services are scheduled Thursday. A fund has been set up for Smith's family at Wells Fargo Bank.

— Ben Winslow