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: 5,265

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 Tributes

From: Jim Shepner Monday, March 9, 2015
From Jim Shepner

Jimmy lived around the corner from me in Los Altos and we both graduated from Los Altos High. He was a best friend from 1972-1974 in Los Altos. Countless party nights, cribbage, softball, concerts, Giants games, and just driving around in a hot red Ford truck w "Big Dog"Reno and getting fast food. Always felt young with Jimmy and I'm sure he passed away still being 16. Last talked to him in the early 80's and we shared our Christian faith together and reminisced a lot. Wished I'd stayed closer and maybe there's a lesson in love that Jimmy taught for the future. I loved Jimmy and am sad about the loss but look forward to seeing him in Heaven. God Bless you all....Jim Shepner



From: John Lawson Thursday, January 8, 2015
I will be their to celebrate Jim's life. Jim and I and other friends use to hang out at various venues in Bremerton back in 66,67 and 68.

Later - John Lawson



From: David Gregor Saturday, December 6, 2014
I am so saddened to here one of my oldest friends has passed away. Jim and I go back to 1966 when we were housemates in one of the now gone cabins down on Washington Beach in Bremerton. It was a special period in my life with Jim as my best bud. There was music, parties,young women, more music, more parties and even more young women. We saw the Beatles together on their first visit and longed to play music when Bremerton was crawling with musicians. The last time I saw Jim was when my memoir "In Different Times" was published back in 1992 and I was doing a reading in Bremerton. The book chronicles the summer of 1966 when Jim and I lived on the beach and experienced the shifting world of the Sixties. Jim was in the audience and came up to me afterwards and we spent the rest of the day together catching up on life and old times. Jim was one of my dearest friends that you truly have when you are young and your whole life lies before you...full of possibilities. Jim was a wonderful musician and I would have like nothing more than to play with him, but that was not to be. I'm glad he got to see that special summer in our lives captured on paper; now he will live on as long as the words survive.



From: Colleen Ellis Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Look at those eyes! You had those twinkling eyes every time you smiled or laughed and the best sense of humor anyone could ask for. I still can't believe you're gone. I miss you tremendously!
Colleen (the other spud)



From: Peggy Smiley Monday, December 1, 2014
Jimmy, you were the greatest. And the best football buddy. Go Seahawks.



From: mike roberts Sunday, November 23, 2014
Rest in peace my old friend,you will be greatly missed by all of us that knew you and loved you. Mikey

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Lee Smiley Kramer 7/29/2015
 
Brett and Boni Thornt... 3/24/2015
 
Reg Tyler 3/9/2015
 
Jim Shepner 3/9/2015
 
Steve Raible 1/24/2015
 
RAY & GAYLE RICE 1/22/2015
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