Mr. James L. Smith Jr.

October 21, 1949 - April 2, 2021

James Lee Smith, aka Jimmy, was born to the union of James (Spencer) Smith and Frances (Bailey) Smith on October 21, 1949. Jimmy was the fifth of six children born to this union and was their only son. Jimmy was educated in the Chicago Public School System, graduating from Lewis Champlain Elementary and Englewood High School. In his youth, Jimmy was passionate about obedience training for dogs and the Smith Family ALWAYS had a dog or two. His second and lifelong passion was for the sport of bowling, if there was a league game and he had the money and energy, he was bowling at Park Manor, King Bowl, Skyway Lanes and Dolton Lanes to name a few. After high school, Jimmy was employed by Hamilton Industries Lamp Company for 23+ years. While at Hamilton Industries, Jimmy met the love of his life, Irene France, and on August 21, 1971, they joined in holy matrimony. Their marriage union was blessed with two children, one son and one daughter, Jimmy loved the Lord and accepted Christ at an early age at New Friendship Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Freeman. His Christian walk would later take his membership, praise, worship and service to Trinity United Church of Christ under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Otis Moss. Jimmy worked with the church’s food share ministry until his health no longer allowed. On Good Friday, April 2, 2021, while surrounded by his devoted wife of 49 years, his loving children and sisters, the Lord in his goodness and mercy called Jimmy home to rest. His parents, James and Frances and his eldest sisters, Effie Ward-Byrd and Josephine Beyers, all preceded him in the call to glory. Jimmy leaves to cherish his memories, his wife Irene; son Rashurn Smith (Teresa); daughter Shanta Smith; three sisters Bertha Brooks, Helen Watson and Frances Smith; four granddaughters Camile Smith, Netanya Smith, Arianna Lawrence and Savannah Smith; and host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.