James "Jimmy" Smith

James Lee "Jimmy" Smith, age 81, passed away peacefully at home in the loving arms of his daughter on Sunday, October 6, 2024. Born on December 23, 1942, in Frankfort, Kentucky, Jimmy was a man of great kindness, known for his warm smile and contagious laugh that brightened the lives of everyone around him. He was a devoted family man, with a selfless heart, who deeply loved his family and the Lord. Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Ethel Smith; his beloved wife, Judy Finney Smith; and two brothers, Raymond “Oscar” Smith Jr. and Robert “Bob” Smith. He is survived by his daughter Lori Lee Smith, son Kelly Ray Smith, and stepson Steve (Leslie) Stigers. He was a proud and loving Papaw to Sierra (Weber) Seay, Emily Smith, Tyler (Cayla) Stigers, and Ethan Stigers. Jimmy is also survived by his two brothers, Rev. David (Wanda) Smith of North Frankfort Baptist Church, and Paul (Margie) Smith; as well as four sisters, Betty (Pat) Johnson, Lois (Charlie) Howard, Nancy Brewer Moore of Frankfort, and Ivy Sutton of Ohio. In 1965, Jimmy was drafted and honorably served in the Vietnam War in the artillery division in Pleiku until 1967. After returning home, he worked for Sears Roebuck for over 30 years. Following his retirement, he opened his own small engine repair shop, where he became known for his ability to fix just about anything—especially lawnmowers and tractors. Beyond his mechanical skills, Jimmy had a deep passion for life’s simple pleasures. He loved cheering on UK Basketball, the Cincinnati Reds, and watching NASCAR races on Sundays after church. He found joy in daily visits to his White Castle “breakfast club,” where he shared laughs and stories with friends almost every morning. Jimmy and his wife, Judy, were long-time devoted members of Hillcrest Baptist Church. Jimmy’s kind, generous spirit, and unwavering faith in God made him a beacon of love and warmth to all who knew him. His presence will be deeply missed, and his legacy of kindness, love, and laughter will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. Services will be held at Harrod Brothers Funeral Home on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. David Smith and Pastor Tom Troth officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Military Honors will be observed at the gravesite by the VFW Post 4075. Visitation will be at Harrod Brothers Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. Pallbearers will be Jimmy Rogers, Bobby Courtney, Daryl Snook, Ron Harrod, Chester Hillard, Harry Rice, Frank Brophy, and Jim Sutton. Honorary bearers will be Steve Stigers, Ethan Stigers, Tyler Stigers, Mike Perry, Roy Moore, Bill Ayer, Steve Morriser, Larry Lamair, Joe Sanderson and David Collins. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hillcrest Baptist Church, and/or St. Jude. Arrangements are under the direction of Harrod Brothers Funeral Home & Crematory.

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James "Jimmy" Smith

December 23, 1942 - October 6, 2024