JAMES L. SMITH

August 31, 1968 - April 1, 2021

James " Jim, Jimmy, Smitty" L. Smith, age 52, of Hinckley, passed away on Thursday, April 1, 2021 at his residence. Jim fought cancer with courage, grace and dignity for the past 21 months. He was born on August 31, 1968 in Lakewood, Ohio to Leonard Smith and the late Leah (nee Ludlow) Smith. Jim was born and raised in Brooklyn, Ohio, where he graduated from Brooklyn High School in 1986. Jim was a very accomplished concrete contractor. For many years, he owned and operated his company, Perfect Paving. In addition to being very dedicated to his work, he was a loving, attentive, and devoted father, a cherished grandfather, son, brother and uncle. He was also a good friend to many. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He enjoyed vacationing, especially on a beach. On Sunday afternoons, you would most likely find him watching football, spending quality time with his young boys and extended family. Jim was the life of the party at just about any gathering he attended. He is survived by his dear father, Leonard Smith; loving children, Heather, Nicole, Michelle, Chaz, Ethan, Evan and Owen; cherished grandchildren, Kaylee, Kinsey, Bobby and Wesley; beloved sisters, Susan and Sandy. Jim is preceded in death by his dear mother, Leah. The family will receive friends on Monday, April 5, 2021 at Carlson Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 1642 Pearl Road, Brunswick from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. (1/2 mile south of Route 303). Masks are required and social distancing rules will apply. A funeral service for Jim will be on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery. Contributions in Jim's memory may be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation, P.O. Box 62066, Durham, NC 27715. A Celebration of life for Jim will also take place this summer.