George J. Smith

June 11, 1945 — Sept. 29, 2021 (age 76)

LIBERTY — George "Jim" Smith Sr., 76, passed away Wednesday (Sept. 29) at his residence.

He was born June 11, 1945 in Norfolk, Virginia, the son of Steve and Julia Stevens Smith.

Jim was a very hard worker. He was self-employed most of his life, owning and operating several business. He had a commercial driver's license and owned and operated a full service Sohio station where he was a mechanic. He had a hydraulic repair business and owned and operated Smith Paving.

Jim was an active member of Niles Christian Assembly where he served on council, ran the bus ministry and taught Bible studies.

Before moving to Ohio from Pennsylvania, he was very active in his Pennsylvania church. One of his ministries included taking into his home an entire foreign foster family to help them with adjustments to their new country.

He enjoyed fishing and earned his open water certification in scuba diving. He would often times take the whole family to the ocean to scuba dive.

Jim was a good family man. He spent a lot of time with his family.

His first wife, Carole Lea Ellsworth Smith whom he married April 3, 1963, died Oct. 27, 2012.

He married his second wife, Theresa Shipley Smith on Sept. 20, 2016.

Although Jim was always busy, he was never too busy for his children and his family. He will be sadly missed by sons George J. Smith Jr. at home, Carl Anthony Smith of Niles, Christopher Smith of Niles and Gregory Smith of Warren; and grandchildren Brandy, Amanda, Christopher, Tyler, Christine, Ryan and Kristin.

He was preceded in death by his son, Matthew Smith; a brother, Thomas Smith; and sisters Vicky Dunlap and Rosie Jones.

Friends may call Monday (Oct. 4) from 5 to 7 p.m. and Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. at Niles Christian Assembly, preceded by a 10:30 a.m. prayer service at the funeral home.

Facial coverings are recommended for all family and friends coming to pay their respects at the funeral home and at the church.

Material contributions can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 1645 W. 8th Street, Erie Pennsylvania16505.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of George J. Smith, visit our floral store.

This story was originally published October 2, 2021 at 3:09 PM with the headline "George J. Smith."