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James V. Smolka

1952 - 2018

BORN

1952

DIED

2018

FUNERAL HOME

Waite & Son Funeral Homes - Brunswick Chapel

3300 Center Road

Brunswick, Ohio

James Smolka Obituary

James V. Smolka

James V. Smolka, 66 of Hinckley, Ohio passed away unexpectedly on October 14, 2018. He was born on July 13, 1952 to the late James G. and Juanita (nee Snider) Smolka in Cleveland, Ohio. James received his Master's Degree in Biology from Kent State University. He was an avid entomologist and would share his knowledge and collection of bugs by leading presentations. James was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and will be missed by the many who knew him.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Janice, of 40 years; his children, Jared (fiance Jessica Fishel-dec.) and Jonathan Smolka; treasured grandchildren, Marshal, Julia, and Jeremiah. Preceded in death by his brother-in-law, John Sroubek.

Family will receive friends on Thursday, October 18, 2018 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Waite and Son Funeral Home, Brunswick Chapel, 3300 Center Road Brunswick, Ohio 44212. Services will be held Friday, October 19, 2018 at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Hope Memorial Gardens in Hinckley. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Cleveland Metroparks Development, 4101 FULTON PARKWAY, CLEVELAND, OH 44144. Online condolences may be left at www.waitefuneralhome.com.

Published by Akron Beacon Journal on Oct. 16, 2018.
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Jimmy was a great man. Very intelligent and knowledgeable, his love and understanding of science was exemplary. He was very humble, and absolutely adored his two sons. I knew Jim since 1990, and he was always the same demeanor, respectful, engaging, and full of bug stories. His degree in entomology was his pride and joy. The man knew science! The world lost a good man in Jim Smolka, and his sons will miss him greatly. 66 is much too young for such a fine man. God Bless Jim. May his life shine as an enduring example of love and kindness to his two sons.

Marshall Wenger

November 7, 2023

Just came across Jim's obituary. Feel so sad for you. I was a biology major at Kent with Jim. We were on the same trip to Mexico in 1974. I'm the one who smuggled the tarantula he found in the desert across the border in a box of "Zucaritas"-- also known as Sugar Frosted Flakes. He was a sweetheart. I still have that box somewhere along with a photo of it crawling up my arm. He was amazing at plant identification as sophomores, too. Used to drive the rest of us nuts especially the guys in class. His ease at using the latin names was legendary.

Gwen Miller

July 10, 2019

The North Royalton Alumni Association extends sincere condolences to the family.

October 16, 2018

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Memorial Events
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Oct

18

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Waite & Son Funeral Homes - Brunswick Chapel

3300 Center Road, Brunswick, OH 44212

Oct

19

Service

1:00 p.m.

Waite & Son Funeral Homes - Brunswick Chapel

3300 Center Road, Brunswick, OH 44212

Funeral services provided by:

Waite & Son Funeral Homes - Brunswick Chapel

3300 Center Road, Brunswick, OH 44212

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