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: 5,249

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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Recent Memories & Stories

By: 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... View Entire Memory
By: 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... View Entire Memory
By: 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... View Entire Memory
 
 

 
 

Recent Tributes

By: 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,... View Entire Tribute
By: 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 View Entire Tribute
By: 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... View Entire Tribute
 
 

 
 

Recent Condolences

By: Leslie Shelton Monday, January 19, 2015
Dear Smiley, We shared some fun and some of the most greatest performing moments in our lives that I'll never forget. The look that I'll never forget is the one where you looked over at me and you reminded me of a... View Entire Condolence
By: Colleen Ellis Tuesday, December 2, 2014
To Bobby, Peggy, and the entire remainder of the family; I am enormously saddened by Jimmy's passing. He and his music touched me in so many ways. As frustrating as he could sometimes be, he had a heart of gold and... View Entire Condolence
By: Peggy Smiley Monday, December 1, 2014
Dear Friends and Family: We are so sorry about losing Jimmy. We'll be seeing you at the celebration of life on January 17th. Peggy Smiley View Entire Condolence
 
 

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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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