James W. Smith

James "Smitty" (Jim) W. Smith, 61 , of Port Ewen died very peacefully in his home on Sunday August 18th 2024 while listening to his favorite songs, surrounded by the love of his family. He was the son of the late Clyde W. and Arline (Bomer) Smith.

Jim and his wife Jamie (Sperl) were together for 33 years after meeting on a blind date. They had a wonderful life together playing cards and singing songs. They shared a very special bond and did everything together. It was a true love story.

Jim grew up working on his family farm bailing hay and chopping wood. He loved to race motorcycles on the flat track. In his later years he raced Quads with his son Craig.

Jim was a lifelong auto body repair man working at his dad Clyde's shop, "Smittys Body Works" in Port Ewen for 38 years, and ran the business after his dads passing. Jim was an expert in his field and had a great reputation for his auto body and paint work. He passed along his talent of mixing colors to his daughter Amy who works as a hairdresser and also has a great reputation in that field.

Jim was a true animal lover. He also loved nature, fishing, bird watching, and spent a lot of time at North Lake in Hunter with his family and friends. He also had a passion for collectables of any kind and a large Hot Wheels collection.

Jim was loved by everyone and loved to share his stories with anyone who would listen. He also loved to watch movies while eating popcorn and snacks with his grandson James.

In addition to his beloved wife, Jamie, James is survived by his daughter: Amy (Smith) Mack and her husband James B. III, his grandson: James B. Mack IV, his siblings: Robert "Skip" Smith and his wife Joann, Gail (Smith) Short and her husband Rich, Karen (Smith) Hoover and her husband John, his mother-in-law: Janet (Hudak) Whalen and her husband Richard, mother-in-law Nancy Sperl, his sister-in-law: Kerrie (Sperl) Bark and her husband Richard, and his best friends: John Winne and Steven Camuto. James is also survived by many other friends and family, as well as by his beloved kitties: Punkies and Tiger.

His is predeceased by his son: Craig W. Smith, his father-in-law: Arthur Sperl, and his brother-in-law: Randy Sperl.