Date Created: 11/21/2014
Last Updated: 12/06/2014

In loving memory of James F. Smiley
8/5/1948 - 11/9/2014

Location: Bremerton, Washington

Visits: 5,261

James F. Smiley, age 66, passed away peacefully on November 9 in Bremerton, Washington, his home.

Jimmy is survived by his beloved big brother Bobby and sister-in-law Peggy; his sisters Lee Kramer and Mary Helfrich, step-siblings Sheila Ton, Debi Bonfanti, and James Rex, and stepmother Elizabeth Carroll.

Jimmy was born August 5, 1948, in Reno, Nevada, to parents Rebecca Flint Smiley and Robert W. Smiley, Sr. Born into a Navy family, his youth was spent in various cities where he attended high schools and a junior college. While growing up, baseball was the ballgame he loved when he first became interested in sports.

Jimmy never married. He dedicated his life to his music, friends, and family.

Jimmy was an animal lover and before moving to Bremerton had a wonderful life on his farm with his big black dog and little black kitten. He loved his Seahawks, water sports, and particularly fishing and skiing. Temperamental and brilliant with a high IQ, he could beat his brother Bobby at cribbage while using his other hand on his keyboard. Jimmy cut his first original solo CD in 2001 and it has been enjoyed by many who were fortunate to have heard his unique compositions. His music is often touched with melancholy and is so beautiful.

His passing is a profound loss to family, and he is surrounded by a lifetime of friends. We will miss him terribly and know he went home to our Heavenly Father. He will be waiting for us at the Rainbow Bridge.

A celebration of Jimmy’s life will be held on January 17, 2015, from 12 Noon to 5:00 p.m., at McCloud’s Grill House Restaurant, 2901 Perry Avenue, Bremerton, Washington. Music in McCloud’s comfortable ambiance can be heard from some of the bands Jimmy played with. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Harrison Medical Center Foundation at 2520 Cherry Ave., Bremerton, WA 98310, in remembrance of James F. Smiley.

A website in memory of James F. Smiley may be viewed at http://www.never-gone.com/memorials/jamessmiley

INSTRUCTIONS TO LEAVE A TRIBUTE, CONDOLENCE or MEMORY, even if you leave your name in the guestbook, is to go to the website separately, create an account in your name, and then click on one or more of the above. And leave your tribute, condolence and/or memory.

 
 
 
 

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Current Memories

From: Sonja Gilchrist Wednesday, December 17, 2014
I am so sorry to hear about Jimmy's passing. The world lost another music man. I will never forget the time he visited while passing through Sacramento. Bob Sr., Barbara, Jimmy and myself met at a restaurant in Placerville. It was deserted but had a piano. Jimmy took over the piano and entertained us for a couple of hours. Bob Sr. even hopped on to join him and they made beautiful music together. Goodbye Jimmy, hope you find a new band up there. -Sonja



From: Mike Witt Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Jim was a unique, charismatic individual. Jim, Kris Larson and I shared a little home near Olympic College in 1967. We then moved to big home near Pearls in Navy yard city. We had some great times together at a time of change in Bremerton. In the house were Dick Johnson, Nick Gallegos, Kirby Denny, Kris. Jim and me. Jim and I drove to California and stayed at his parents place in Los Altos. So many stories. Jim was a special guy. Many great memories. Will look forward to seeing old friends at Jim's Celebration of Life. Rest in peace buddy.



From: Colleen Ellis Tuesday, December 2, 2014
When I first met Jim, it was at one of his gigs (Our Place Tavern) in Silverdale, WA in the early '70's. I recall asking him "Are you "attached?" He stared at me for a couple of secs and answered "Uh, no...I'm not attached" as he rolled his eyes. That was the beginning of a wonderful relationship. Jim was so everything; funny, talented, sincere, and passionate about everything he believed in. My daughter and I fell in love with his dog Reno and he stayed with us until his time was up. Then Jim and I lost touch for many years only to meet up again at yet another one of his gigs at the Blackberry Festival in Bremerton, WA. About 40 years later. He was a little gray, as am I, and still the ever so funny guy! We remained good friends up til the end. RIP my dear Jim and save a spot for me!



From: Peggy Smiley Monday, December 1, 2014
You will always be in my heart.

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