James O. Smith
James O. Smith, fondly known as “Jim” or “J.O.,” 82, of Cranberry Township passed away on Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 14, 2020, at UPMC Passavant Hospital in McCandless Township surrounded by his loving family.
Born Sept. 2, 1937, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late James O. and Ella Carter Smith.
He retired from the Bulk Mail Center in 1993 as a mail handler. Jim owned three video stores called the Couch Potato. Later, he worked at the Evans City Pharmacy as a cashier.
Jim was a member of St. Kilian Catholic Church in Cranberry Township.
He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force as a firefighter.
Jim was a humble, simple “no frills” man, who was loved by all. He loved the outdoors, fishing as a young man in the Adirondacks, then later with his sons, Jimmy and Lee. His family, neighbors and friends were Jim's past- time, whether whipping up his famous potato salad for a family gathering, an outside bonfire with an occasional pilsner or breakfast with friends, (some known since childhood)!
No matter what Jim did, who he was with or where he was, smiles and laughter were present. He welcomed meeting new people and had the gift to chat always with “Hey,” “Bud” or “Hey Toots” greeting. His kind ways and “never worry until there is something to worry about” demeanor, left an impression on every one's heart.
Jim is survived by his wife of 62 years, Dorothy Betters Smith; three daughters, Maylynne Smith Beneroski of Cranberry Township, Elizabeth (Mario) Plekker of New Port Richey, Fla., and Marianne (Joe) Belack of Freedom; two sons, James B. (Renee) Smith of New Brighton, and Lee (Erica) Smith of Zelienople; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one great-great- granddaughter.
He was preceded in death by one brother and two sisters.
SMITH — The family of James O. Smith, who died Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, will greet friends and relatives to celebrate his life from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at A. Carl Kinsey-Ronald N. Volz Funeral Home, 328 W. Main St., Evans City.A blessing service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.He was a very caring man and wished that memorial donations be made to the Butler VA, a local food cupboard or St. Vincent de Paul.Additional information may be obtained at www.kinsey-volzfuneralhome.com.
