James Smink

"Grief is the price we pay for love."
On September 5, 2023, James "Jim" Gary Peter Smink, 71, passed away, headed to heaven to be with his beloved parents, Cyril (Pete) and Mary Smink.
Born on June 29th, 1952, in Philadelphia - Jim was the best husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin that the Smink family could ask for.
For 23 years, Jim served the City of Philadelphia as a proud firefighter, a job he enjoyed more than anything.
Before that, Jim served 11 years as a K9 officer for the City of Philadelphia Police Department along with his beloved partner, King. He also served in the Army, as part of the 82nd Airborne.
Jim held the Catholic league record for most touchdown passes thrown in a game. He accomplished this as a quarterback for Father Judge High School, a "Judgehead" through and through. We would often bring this up to him and although he didn't like the attention, he'd smile.
He was selfless in every way, and loved fiercely.
Jim is survived by his wife, Colette, and his two daughters, Alexandra and Samantha, along with his stepchildren, Cherie and Nicholas Turner. He adored his grandchild, Vivienne.
Jim is survived by the best family of which there are many (he was one of 9). He will be loved and remembered by his twin brother, John (Anne) Smink with their two children, Jill and Tim (Kathryn). He is survived by his oldest brother, Clement (Kathy) Smink, his older brother Gerard (Agnes) Smink, their children Jerry (Dana) Smink, Tracy (David) Schatzel, Scott (Tina) Smink, and Shannon (Rob) Brophy. Jim had several younger siblings, including Stephen (Kelly), his children, Laura (Joe), Stephen (Alessandra), Caroline and Philip Smink; Mary (Jim) Black, along with son JJ; Kevin (Dolly) Smink, their children Kyle, Matt and Daniel; Susan (Gary) Cathey; their children Gary Jr. (Maggie) Cathey, Katie and Kellie Cathey; Kristine (Bob) Yaworkski along with their children, Bob Jr. and Jaime Yaworski. He was a Great Uncle to many more.
He loved family above all else.
Family and friends are invited to Jim's Life Celebration on Tuesday, September 12th, 2023, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at John F. Givnish Funeral Home at 10975 Academy Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19154, and on Wednesday, September 13th, at St. Charles Borromeo at 1731 Hulmeville Road Bensalem from 9:30 – 10:30 AM. A funeral mass will follow at 10: 30 AM. Interment services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, we ask you make a donation in his name to the:
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation:
You can do so at https://www.firehero.org/donate/.