James Edward Smrkovski

James Edward Smrkovski passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 22, 2024, in his family home, in Minnesota. He was surrounded by his loving family who took great care of him 24/7 in his last 4 years.

James was a very kind and generous person, full of vibrant aura and charisma. His love for languages and traveling brought him to more than 40 countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia with his family and friends.

James graduated from St. Thomas University in Minnesota in Linguistics. He spoke 5 different languages fluently; English, Arabic, German, French, and Chinese. He was a linguist professor for Saudi Arabian Airlines and Aramco in the 70s and 80s. In the 90s, he and his loving ex-spouse, (friend/caregiver in his last years) owned and managed a 40-unit apartment building together with their children in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

James had a great passion for classical music, the opera, and reading history books.

Before he passed, a dear friend of his shared a powerful message from our father when asked what James thought about the afterlife: "The way I know there is an afterlife is that I will continue to live on through my children and grandchildren".

With this message from our father/grandfather; let us remember all the good times, and his sacrifice to ensure we are all well-rounded, well-traveled, and well-educated children and grandchildren.

Let us show gratitude by honoring his dying wish: peace

Per James' request, he was cremated privately and simply on Monday, February 26, 2024. This last act of kindness was his way to ensure his appointed caregivers could rest and recover from our long, challenging, unglamorous, but beautiful journey together. He asked that his ashes be spread across the world so that he could continue to be our guide.

Dad, Thank you for being our teacher. You did your best and we will forever be grateful. We all love you.

James is now united in death with his father (Vern Smrkovski), his mother (Mildred Hanisch Smrkovski), and his son (Vania Smrkovski). Left to honor his memory and respect his wishes are his eldest daughter from his first marriage (Vesna), his two daughters from his second marriage (Rina and Vanda), and his two amazing bright grandchildren (Tara and Atlas). Thank you to all of his sons-in-law (Erik, Tom, and Sid) and his ex-spouse/dear friend (Rattana) for being our rock in the good and the most difficult times.

May all beings be happy. May our father/grandfather, James E. Smrkovski (Daddy) rest in peace. May all his loved ones be at peace through his loving memory from this day forth.