James Benedict SMITH, age 78, Beloved father of Lance Smith (Annie) and Steven Smith (Bridget.) Loving grandfather of Gwain, Addison, Ava and Eloise. He is survived by his former wife Patricia Smith and siblings Hugh (Liz deceased), Robert (Dianne), William (deceased) (Lori), Molly (Tom).
James passed away peacefully on February 15 th 2021. He learned to fight as a Drill Instructor in the army and a martial arts enthusiast in his youth, and it showed as he fought through Parkinsons, cancer of the larynx, COVID, a broken femur, and Pneumonia. In the end, he finally ran out of fight.
He grew up in University Heights and went to St. Ignatius High School. After graduation he attended John Carroll University followed soon after by the US Army. His army career ended with marriage to Patricia Reuter and the birth of his sons. After finishing his career as a dedicated father and businessman, he has been retired for the past 20 years.
Jim loved humour and was well known for entertaining those around him with his jokes.
He will be remembered by those who loved him as:
- A ninja warrior – two practice swords were always displayed prominently in his home
- A swarthy sea captain of a 17ft motor boat – nearly all weekends of family life were spent exploring the lakes and rivers of Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania
- Baker and of Cod Liver Oil Bread (patent pending)
- Teller of humorous anecdotes – he always had something to say and it was usually in jest
- Inventor extraordinaire – he loved to think he had a better mousetrap
- Wiggler of ears – self-explanatory
- Brother…
- Father…
- Grandfather…
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. John Newmann Church, 16271 Pearl Rd, Strongsville, OH 44136 on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, 11:00 AM Eastern. Followed directly by private services at The Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Rd., Seville/Rittman, OH 44273.
A Celebration of Life for Jim will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would rather memorials be directed to either: the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System or the Parkinson's Foundation.