James W Smith passed away on December 13, 2022, surrounded by his family, after a valiant fight against cancer. Jim was born January 10, 1951, in Illinois to parents James Edward and Ann Smith. He graduated from Maine East High School in Park Ridge Illinois. In April of 1971, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country in the Vietnam War. Jim began his work as a machinist in the Navy and continued to do so for over 30 years at Flowserve in Springville, Utah. He has a son, Michael from a previous marriage. He later married the love of his life, Patti Jo Ellis, in San Diego, California in June of 1983, and their marriage was later solemnized in February of 1985, in the Los Angeles LDS Temple. Together they had four children Greg, Jeff, Brad, and Valerie.
Jim had a lot of hobbies including CB radio, coaching, fishing, and watching his grandchildren in their activities. He could also make award winning box cars for the Pinewood Derby. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where he served in many callings over the years. Jim was also a talented photographer. Over the years he captured so many cherished memories for family, friends, neighbors, and had a very special place in his heart for the Utah Cinderella pageant system.
He went by so many names and wore so many different hats in his lifetime. He was called honey, Dad, Daddy, Grandpa, Uncle Jim, Brother Smith, and “Mr. Jim”. Jim was a spouse, a father, a grandfather, an uncle, a mentor, and a son. He impacted the lives of not only his children and grandchildren, but also played a very strong father-like role to his many nieces and nephews all their lives. It is difficult to list all that he did good in the lives of his family and extended family. To say he loved his wife Patti is an understatement. He adored Patti. She was his other half, and where there was one, there was always the other. His love for his wife, children, and grandchildren was fierce, loyal, and enduring. While we understand he had to go, it leaves such an empty place in all our hearts. For now, we will hold onto the memories created by and with Jim, until we meet again.
Jim leaves behind his wife Patti Smith of Mapleton, son, Michael (Danielle) Smith, of Oak Park Illinois, Gregory (Shae) Smith of Salem, Jeffrey (Megan) Smith of Lehi, Bradley (McKennly) Smith of Lehi, and Valerie (Ozzy) Muniz of Vineyard, a sister, Jo Cappeletti of Queens Creek Arizona, and a brother and sister in-laws. He also leaves behind eleven grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his granddaughter Kinsley Shae Smith, parents, James E Smith and Amzie Ann Witecki, and brother-in-law, Michael Cappeletti.
Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 16, 2022, at Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West, Payson, Utah. A graveside service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Payson City Cemetery, 400 North 800 East, Payson, Utah.
5 Condolences for James Wesley Smith
Condolences(5)
Debbie Ellis says
December 15, 2022 at 8:17 pmJim was among a few of the greatest men I ever knew. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law, friend. He will be enormously missed by all.
Connie Nichols says
December 16, 2022 at 1:55 amI meet Jim through a family member during a photo shoots for my grandsons MOTO X race in Ogden ,Ut he and my family all shared memories while taking in a bite to eat that day, I was in ah of he’s talent he brought each one of he’s photos to life he’s talent is beyond words it was an honor to know you Jim each time I look back on my photos I will think of you while each one always takes me on a journey with great moments thank you keep those photos coming .Connie Nichols
Holly Warner says
December 16, 2022 at 1:25 pmI remember many Santa Parties that Valtek/Flowserve did over the years. Jim was always so willing to take pictures for us. What a great time we had over the years with all of those smiling faces. I am grateful to have him as a friend. He will be greatly missed!
Kylee Critchfield says
December 16, 2022 at 5:07 pmWe will forever cherish every photo Jim has ever taken for us. He has done many family photo shoots, my brothers wedding photos, my sisters wedding photos, and my own wedding as well. Jim had an amazing talent for spotting the best photo and I’ll miss seeing his smiling face with his camera. We love you Jim.
Mike Wendle says
December 21, 2022 at 1:44 pmJim was my cousin and, though I hadn’t seen him since we we young teenagers, I remember him fondly. His dad used to bring him to Jerseyville for a week in the summer and the family would get together. Jim & I re-connected a few years ago on Facebook and communicated occasionally. I can only offer my condolences and hope he did not suffer terribly.
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