James V. Smith

James V. Smith

James V. Smith, age 72, passed away with his wife, Janice, at his side.

James was born in Wichita, Kansas, the son of Cornelius "Ping" Smith and Nadine (Morris) Smith.

James is survived by his beloved wife Janice (Winkler); devoted nephew, Scott (Michele) Smith of Charlotte, NC and niece, Janet (Robert) Wilson of Carmel, IN, and sister-in-law, Sharon Smith Downs of Brownsburg, IN. Also survived by sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Winkler of Evanston, IL, and Sharon (Harvey) Abrams of Bend, OR, and brother-in-law David (Staci) Winkler of Sierra Vista, AZ. Also survived by numerous great nieces and nephews. James was preceded in death by his parents, Cornelius "Ping" Smith and Nadine (Morris) Smith, and by his brother, Gary M. Smith, as well as by his in-laws, Delbert and Doris Winkler Gabel, and brother-in-law, James Winkler.

James was a loving husband, a good friend and a truly great person. He cherished his friendships, some of which have endured over six (6) decades. He was a graduate of Joliet East High School, Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas, and an active member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.

James was an integral and passionate participant in his community. He was an enthusiastic member of the Joliet Rotary Club, and had achieved 29 years of perfect attendance. He had also served on the board of directors for the Greater Joliet Area YMCA for 20 years. James was a devoted member of the Rialto Square Theatre board of directors, serving as board chair, and as a key member of the Rialto Foundation Board. James was also a board member for the Joliet Historical Museum, City Center Partnership, and for the Will County Center for Economic Development.

James was an avid boater. He took great pride in his committed work ethic and in his family and friends. He served his community, not because it looked good on a resume, but because he truly cared about the area in which he lived and worked. James was a founding member of the Octagon Investment Club and a Chicago White Sox fan.

His death is an incalculable loss to his family, many friends, and to his community. James has now set sail, as Shakespeare said, to that "undiscovered country."

Services for James will be at Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 29, 2020. Visitation to begin at 9 a.m. Service at 11 a.m. with Brother James Gaffney officiating. Burial to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to The Rialto Square Theatre or the Joliet Historical Museum in his memory.