James D'Este Smyth

Smyth, James D'Esté Jim was welcomed home by the Lord on Thursday, March 3, 2011, at the age of 49, surrounded and comforted by his loving family. Jim battled brain cancer for ten years, with courage, dignity, and grace, and was a source of inspiration and hope to us all. Jim is survived by his high school sweetheart and devoted and loving wife of 26 years, Sue, and his loving and precious daughters, Kelli and Jamie, who meant more to him than anything in the world. He is further survived by his parents, Libby Smyth-Harmon and James W. Smyth; brothers Ken (Barbara), Ed (Scarlet), and Bill (Jane Grogan); in-laws Dean and Lois Cady, Dana and Mike Blumberg, Karen and Joe Balistreri, Jeanne and Doug Brown, and Dean Cady Jr., and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Jim was preceded in death by infant daughter, Alex, with whom he is now reunited, and his faithful dog companion, Molly. Jim was a lifelong resident of Whitefish Bay. After graduating from Whitefish Bay High School in 1980, Jim went on to UW-Madison where he earned his degree in Business Administration. He worked in accounting, and in medical imaging equipment sales, which is how his brain tumor was discovered in 2001. Jim also founded the Smyth Brain Tumor Foundation to help others facing the challenges of brain cancer. Jim had an incredible passion for life, and his presence always lit up the room. He loved to golf, was a marathon runner, ardent Packer fan, a volunteer at the Froedtert Family Center, loved vacationing in Green Lake with his family, and most importantly, he was a loving and devoted husband and father. Jim was a devout Catholic and faithful servant of the Lord, and passed from this life as he was receiving the Sacrament of Healing from our parish priest. Jim's love for his family and faith in the Lord guided his life and he inspired countless people. He will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched. Much love and appreciation to all who prayed for, cared for, and spent time with Jim. Our hearts are broken and we will miss Jim more than words can express. Jim- you will always be a part of our lives. Visitation to be held on Monday, March 7, 2011 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Feerick Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 8, 2011, at 11:00AM, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Whitefish Bay, on the corner of N. Wildwood and E. Hampton Rd., followed by burial at Holy Cross Cemetery. Per Jim's request, memorials in his name may be made to an education fund established for his daughters. Checks may be payable to the Smyth Education Fund c/o Johnson Bank, 5600 N. Lake Dr., Suite 101, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217. "Be known not by the adversity in your life, but by your triumph over it" - Jim Smyth