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Powers Funeral Home

320 West Pioneer Avenue

Puyallup, Washington

James Smith Obituary

James Michael Smith Jim died unexpectedly on 4/8/2011 following surgery. Jim was born on 7/31/1958 in Seattle and lived his earlier years in Boulevard Park, moving to Graham, WA in 1972. He graduated from Bethel High School in 1977, where he was an outstanding student athlete, lettering in three sports. He went on to attend Mt. Hood College and later PLU. Jim's great passion for sports led him to coach many teams over the years and also work in various sporting industries. He is survived by his wife Denise, and two wonderful sons, Nathan and Zachary, who were the love of his life. Jim is also survived by his parents Robert and Nancy Smith, sister Terri (Chris) Houck, and sister Tami Smith, all of Graham. Also survived by a nephew, Ronnie (Nicole) Byrd of Graham, a niece, Tina Houck and fiancé Jesse Worthington, of Seattle, as well as great-nephews and nieces Tyler, Megan, Hailey, Colby and Faith. He also leaves behind aunts and uncles, numerous cousins, and many, many dear friends. Family and friends were Jim's life, and we will all miss his big smile, wonderful sense of humor, and great stories. Viewing will be Thursday, 4/14/2011, 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Powers Funeral Home in Puyallup. A Funeral Mass will take place Friday, 4/15/2011, at 11:00 am at Holy Disciples Catholic Church, also in Puyallup. Dress casual as Jim would like. He will be there with his cut-off shirt.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) from Apr. 13 to Apr. 14, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for James Smith

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Deborah Starnes

May 14, 2011

Jim's family has my deepest sympathies and condolences at this unexpected time of loss. Rest in Peace, Our Fallen Brave! Deborah Curtiss-Starnes
Bethel High School 1981

Paula Cherney

April 24, 2011

Wanted you to know how sorry I was to learn of Jim's passing. I have not been on my computer for a few weeks so was so shocked to hear of his leaving us. I have so many fond memories of our children growing up together.My love and prayers are with all of you.

Greg Conner

April 22, 2011

Jim always greeted me with such warmth and a big smile. I will always fondly remember when I was 16 that Jim and my aunt Nancy took me (and my sisters and cousins) on my first skiing trip. Jim taught me how to ski with confidence during that week on the mountain and had such patience with me on the runs I could handle. As Jim was a natural athlete he could encourage us down the most difficult runs with his smile and guidance. Looking back Jim was very generous with his time to teach us. I am thankful for all the wonderful memories of my older cousin Jim and for the fact I can already see the best parts of him in Nathan and Zach.

Jeff Schumacher

April 21, 2011

I enjoyed talking to Jim at the large family get-togethers. His stories never failed to entertain, and he was always interested in what I was up to. I hope your pain diminishes over time but your memories remain forever.

Visiting with family-July 2009

April 21, 2011

Donna Schumacher

April 20, 2011

As a Godfather and cousin you always gave of yourself and were present. Growing up you could be counted on for a game of horse or around-the-world. It takes a special person to play horse following all the rule changes your Goddaughter made up.

I'll always remember when I got sick during my Dad's basketball game and you drove me home. You wanted to make sure I had a fun night so you stopped by 7-11 and bought me a king-size Snickers and a Slurpee. It didn't help me get over the flu, but certainly made the day more memorable.

Your belief in me, my siblings and your niece and nephew helped all of us tackle moguls for the first time. If it wasn't for you I think we might have looked more like a Warren Miller chair lift scene instead of actually learning how to ski. What a memorable week of skiing and I think Ronnie consumed chicken-fried steak at every meal.

Your love for Denise and your sons shined brightly when you talked about family vacations and Nathan and Zachary. You shared many humorous stories, but your true story telling talent was sharing the achievements of your sons. The honesty in your true love for your family and friends was beautiful. I am grateful to have you as a Godfather. Rest In Peace, Jim.

Judy Larson

April 14, 2011

I hope you will be the most successful football coach in heaven. The Lord is good, and He knows what he ordains. We will see you there Jim. Don't lose that big wonderful smile and you had better have a joke ready.
Judy Larson

Cindy (Lane) Moore

April 14, 2011

Tami,

I am so sorry. No words can express your pain. Even though time slips away, my first thought was to what a great guy he was in school and how "manly man" and tough he was. I hope time eases your sorrow.

Nick Schwartz

April 14, 2011

Rest in peace, he was a good friend of my late father.

Jim's pride in Nathan & Zachary

Don Arsenault

April 13, 2011

Jim Always on the Job

Don Arsenault

April 13, 2011

Ralna Galves

April 13, 2011

Thank You Jim for being a kind and understanding manager. Rest peacefully.
Ralna, Joey and Kids.

Kay Lucas

April 13, 2011

I am truly sorry for your loss. I will miss talking to him and hearing about how the boys are doing. There was never any doubt how he loved you with all his heart. He is up in heaven making them smile.
Kay Lucas Cardiac Study Center.

Corinna Cooper

April 13, 2011

My heart goes out all of Jim's family and friends. His life was too short. Jim was a jokester, but he loved his family. He will truly be missed.

Corinna Cooper

April 13, 2011

My heart goes out all of Jim's family and friends. His life was too short. Jim was a jokester, but he loved his family. He will truly be missed.

The Stacy Family

April 13, 2011

We will always admire Jim's absolute love and devotion to his boys. Zachary and Nathan - we know your dad told you and showed you your whole lives how much he loved you, and please know, he sure shared that with the rest of us as well! He absolutely adored you. Bless you all, Smith Family.

Ruth (Baker) Schindler

April 13, 2011

Not only did we go to high school together, but we would run into each other often at Starbucks in Puyallup. My heart just aches knowing how much he loved his boys...that's all he ever talked about!! You will be missed my friend...your spirit...your smile! My sincerest thoughts and prayers to the Smith family.

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320 West Pioneer Avenue, Puyallup, WA 98371

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