James J. Smith 1947-2025

He was born Sept. 10, 1947, in Morgantown, W.Va., the son of Kenneth and Lois Jones Smith.

Jim attended school in Ohio and worked as a lineman for the City of Niles.

He could build or fix anything and loved to work on old cars. He would take lawnmowers and tractors and make them into hot rods. He enjoyed tractor shows, and you could find him fishing with his grandchildren, who were his pride.

Precious memories of Jim live on with his beloved wife of 59 years, Donna Kawecki Smith, whom he married Jan. 3, 1966; his daughter, Jessica Kistler (Josh) of Southington; two grandchildren, Kasey Jo and Mia Rae Kistler, for whom he was their biggest fan; his niece, Lori Chepke, who was like a second daughter to him, and her husband, Christopher, who was like a son, and their children, Ian and Isabela, who were grandchildren to him; three sisters, D.J. Ipock of North Carolina, Alice Peyatt of Girard and Lou Spier of North Carolina; two brothers, Kenny Smith of Mineral Ridge and Bill Smith of Niles; his special nephew, Billy Peyatt (Karen) of Niles; many other very special nieces and nephews who adored their Uncle Jim and miss him dearly; his brother-in-law, Gordon Kawecki of Cortland; and his daughter, Ashley (Brian) Viga of Cortland, and their son, Jaxson.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his daughter, Melissa Jean Smith; three sisters, Ethel Gonzalez, Nancy Smith and Carolyn Smith; and one brother, Bob Smith.

Calling hours will be 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, July 18, 2025, at Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, where services will begin at 6 p.m., with Pastor Robert Donato officiating. All who knew and loved Jim are welcome to attend and celebrate his great life.

The family would like to acknowledge Dr. Eddy, along with Cathy and Tara, who took care of Jim for many years and gave Dr. Eddy gray hair; and Dr. Naddour and his staff, for taking care of Jim’s heart and multiple stents over the years. Special thanks to the entire St. Joseph ICU staff, Dr. Alghamdi, Dr. Bisel and Jim Rice, for your first-rate care and your deep compassion for our dear Jim. A special thank you also to Lori Kistler for her loving care.

Arrangements are entrusted to Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, 962 North Road NE, Warren, OH 44483, 330-394-6200. Dedicated to serving your loved ones. This obituary may be viewed and condolences sent to www.statonborowskifuneralhome.com.

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