Herbert James Smith

Jimmy was born April 10, 1929 in Ironton, Wisconsin to the late Clinton E. and Ruby Ann (Markin) Smith. He attended Muncie Central High School and was a Bearcat through and through. He worked at the High Hat restaurant in downtown Muncie, IN. He moved to Clearwater Beach, FL in 1950, which is where he walked the rest of his path in the restaurant and food industry until his retirement. He married Joan Smith who preceded him in death early in their marriage and will be buried next to her in New Port Richey, Florida.

He never knew a stranger, had an infectious smile, loved his family and friends with his whole heart, and would generously give to those whom he thought was in need, and he graciously did. Although small in stature, he was fittingly, Jolly Ole St. Nicholas every year for all the little children at his congregation’s annual Christmas party.

Every summer, until the past two years, he would venture home for a month to Muncie to spend time with his family and ole friends. He always said prayer before chow time at the notorious Smith Family reunion and Smith golf outing, where he was also the designated putter for his Smith team. He was the team lead historian of the Smith family reunion and a novice photographer who never left home without his camera.

He rode his bike daily and worked out at the YMCA three times a week until falling ill the past two years. He was an avid spectator of sports who loved to watch his Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Ray’s, Orlando Magic, The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and The Indiana Pacers. He enjoyed bowling, playing pool with his friends, but most of all he loved to play his harmonica…

We are most grateful for: His Florida family and his pride and joy, Holly and Billy Tsanakaliotis of Tarpon Springs, FL for always showering him with their precious love… We would also like to thank the Countryside Rehab and Healthcare Center team in Palm Harbor, FL for their care, and where he was affectionately known as “Smitty” their Mayor. Tee hee

Jimmy is survived by his sister, Joanie West (who should have been his twin) of San Pedro CA, Norman (Mary) Smith of Muncie IN; and sisters-in-law, Marie “Tessy”, Debbie, Wanda, and Marilyn Smith of Muncie, IN. He shared a special bond with nephew, Bobby (Angie) Smith and niece, Moya (Danny Hiatt) Smith of Muncie IN, several special nephews and nieces, as well as great and great-great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by nine brothers: Paul, Gordon, Ralph, Robert, Edgar, Gary, Larry, and Tony Smith; three sisters: Shirley Norris, Nancy Johnson, and Cleo Smith; special friends, Jean and Dan Baker and John Toomey. We will all be celebrating his life in all of our own special ways…

Final care of Jimmy has been entrusted to the Meadowlawn Funeral Home in New Port Richey, FL. You are invited to visit their website at www.meadowlawnmemorialgardens.com, where you may sign his online guest book and leave a personal message.

Memorial contributions in Jimmy’s memory may be made to Sun Coast Hospice Pinellas Home Care https://suncoasthospice.org/.