James ‘‘Jim’’ A. Smith

Jim was born in Warren, Pa., on Aug. 28, 1943, to the late Robert and Hazel (Hamblin) Smith.

Jim retired from Osram Sylvania and from GG Green, both in Warren. Pa., but was currently employed by Bumpy Hedman in Jamestown, N.Y., as a tool and die specialist at National Wire and Metal Technologies INC.

He was a member of the Youngsville American Legion and the Sugar Grove AMVETS. He was a former member of the Zem Zems, Shriners, and 32nd Degree Mason. He also served his country in the U.S. Navy.

He was affectionally known as “Grandpa Jim.” Anyone who knew him, knew he was a man of many words with a heart of gold. He was always there for his family for guidance and support. He always looked forward to cooking the holiday meals and spending the day with his family. His family, friends, and fur baby, Bailey, meant the world to him. His favorite hobbies were trapp shooting, hunting, watching the Buffalo Bills and NAS-CAR and going on adventures in his motorhome. He loved anything to do with dirt track racing. He loved to help his kids and grandkids work on their cars, as well as watching them race.

Jim is survived by his children: Kim Whiteman of Warren, Penny (Steve) Rex, Tammy Nelson, Ron (Kim Wood) Seeley and Lisa (Terry) Barret, all of Youngsville; his grandchildren: Meagan Wade, Joshua Vincent, Cathie Cummings, Steven Rex, Natalie Shick, Colleen Rex-Haight, Mitchell Rex, Holly Fry, Don Nelson, Jamie Moore, Benjamin, Kevin, and Rhonda Seeley, Bob and Stephanie Rouche, Dustin, Tara and Nick Barrett. He also leaves behind 31 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Catherine ”Cathie” Donaldson Smith; son-in- law, David Whiteman; grandson, Sean Barrett; and great-grandson, Owen Shick.

Friends and family will be received on Friday at the Nelson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 314 N. Main St., form 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., at which time a service will be held at 8 p.m.

The family suggest memorial donations may be made to Auto Racers for Kids Charities, INC at P.O Box 9602, Erie, PA 16506.

Condolences to the family may be made at www. nelsonfuneralhome.net.