In loving memory of James F. Smiley

8/5/1948 - 11/9/2014

Location: Bremerton, Washington

Visits: 5,266

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

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