James E. "Smitty" Smith

James Edward Smith, fondly known as Smitty, 79, of Lakeview, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at Belle Springs nursing home in Bellefontaine.
Smitty was born on September 2, 1945 in Columbus to the late Oliver and Imo Simpson Smith and raised by his beloved grandparents, the late Gerald and Ruth Simpson. He was a 1963 graduate of Northwestern High School in Raymond, where he played on the basketball team. Smitty served six years in the US Army Reserves. In 1966 he began working at PPG Industries in Delaware, where he earned many accolades for his hard work and ability to fix most anything, retiring after 36 years.
Smitty loved spending time with his buddies while fishing, hunting, boating and camping at Indian Lake, as well as sharing stories, belly laughs and a few cold ones. He never failed to show up for a friend in need of help. Smitty was an avid NASCAR follower, attending many races in Daytona over the years, and was a lifetime fan of the Cleveland Browns and OSU basketball and football teams. He was also a longstanding member of the Elks, Moose and Eagles. In his later years he enjoyed putting together 1000 piece jigsaw puzzles.
Known for being easygoing and witty, Smitty cherished time spent with loved ones and was proud of his family. He was a supportive and adventurous dad who was always up for swimming in the ocean, riding rollercoasters and climbing mountains. Grandpa Smitty was patient and generous, whether teaching them to fish, spoiling them at the lake, sending funny greeting cards or happily receiving their additions to his eyeball collection. He never lost his sense of humor and kept his partner, daughter and nurses laughing, even in his final difficult weeks.
Smitty is survived by his daughter, Kristin (Brad) Gibson, grandchildren Grayson and Kennedy Gibson, longtime partner Catheryn Whitmore, her children David Henry (Carol Robinson) and Cara (Jud) Murray, her grandchildren Morgan (Jake) Hendershot, Camden (Katherine) Henry and Neve Murray, sister Debra (Mike) Weber and many special cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Along with his parents and grandparents, he was also preceded in death by his stepfather Russell Riley and sisters Shirley Hoover and Marty Beightler.
Calling hours will be from 4-6 pm on Monday, November 25, 2024 at Ingram & Snyder Funeral Home, 975 N. Maple St. in Marysville.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.