James Smith, Jr.

James E. Smith, Jr. of Kansas City died suddenly on September 24, 2007. He was 69. He was predeceased by his parents, Dr. James Edison and Anne Marie Smith; his son, Michael Smith and his sister Anne Marie Ruddy. He is survived by his daughters Linda Vinton and Rochelle Smith; his sons, James, Edward, and Kelly Smith; his grandchildren Lindy Lee Pruitt and Michael Vinton; his sisters, Patricia Sullivan, Maureen Smith, Sandra Quinn and Vyvian d’Estienne, and numerous much loved family. “Smitty” grew up in Schenectady and graduated from a private high school in the northern Adirondacks. He ran his father’s liquor store on State Street while attending Sienna College, graduating in 1960. He spent much of his early life around the Great Sacandaga Lake bartending at the Adirondack Inn in Sacandaga Park and life guarding at the nearby beach. He had a rousing personality, with equal parts of good cheer, witty humor, and daring ’elan. He was always sharply dressed at the racetrack. Jim spent much of his middle age in Baltimore, raising a family and studying law at the University of Maryland. He was a record producer, band manager, club owner, and traveler. His later years were spent living in Texas and finally near family in Missouri. Jim was a warm and caring person. He loved to tell stories and recount his many life experiences. He was a good listener with eyes that would light up while his head filled with questions. He had a very tender heart, chauffeuring seniors, delivering food and making sure every senior lady danced at the annual Redemptorist Center St. Patrick’s Day Ball. He especially loved his family home at Sacandaga Park, NY and the scent of the Tamarack Pines. He never tired of working in his wooded yard, watching the hummingbirds come to his feeder, studying the antics of the squirrels and playing with his best buddy, a terrier named Lil Bit. Two days before he died, he discovered a nest of tree frogs in a hanging plant. The little frogs surely found a friend. We all found a friend. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 28 at 4 p.m. at Kansas City Academy. Donations may be made to Holy Family House, 912 East 31st Street, KCMO 64109.