James Robert Smith --- better known as Jim --- 67, of Parkville, MD, passed away on October 20, 2024 due to cardiac arrest. He is survived by his children, Heather Stafford and Tyler Smith, his grandchildren, Mack, Flora, and Colby, and his siblings, Marcie, Bob, and Sharon Smith. He is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Kidd Gamewell, and his father, Robert Lamar Smith.

Jim is remembered as someone who was always kind, gentle, and never stopped trying. He was grateful for the support of many around him. Through determination and a commitment to his own well-being, he was able to get sober and enjoy a life built on his passions, family and friends, and self-compassion. At the time of his death, Jim had four years of sobriety under his belt, and was beginning to undertake the work to become a recovery counselor to help others achieve what he had. Throughout it all, Jim's family never gave up on him, including his mother and his siblings, who supported Jim in every way imaginable. Even in the depth of his struggles, he was never alone.

The thing that Jim enjoyed the most in recent years was being a grandfather, or Poppy, as he was fondly called. He showed up at every family celebration, birthday, and holiday. His grandsons loved wrestling with him and playing board games, and always lit up when they saw him. While his granddaughter was initially wary of him, he was finally able to charm her on his last visit with her and his daughter. His children are eternally grateful that Jim was able to rebuild relationships with them and their families over the past years.

He loved history, watching sports, ghost hunting, and writing. After years of work, he completed his passion project -- writing his first book. All handwritten. He was excited to do the work of getting the book published, and Jim's children are committed to doing everything they can to make that a reality.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to National Novel Writing Month, write a book, or even go ghost hunting in Jim's honor.

A Celebration of Life service will be taking place on Saturday, November 9th, at 11 AM at Woodbrook Baptist Church at 25 Stevenson Lane in Baltimore. This church is close to the area where Jim grew up in Rodgers Forge, with his beloved family and cousins. All who knew Jim are welcome to attend.