And yes long ago James lived around the corner street of Prince and babysat him.

James also liked the Minnesota State Fair, And where could you find him most, yes at the music venues, especially  Caribe Cafe. The pictures are in my other phone which I can't get out at the moment and a video of him with him being asked to come on stage and play the tambourine. He did so well and kept a great beat and rhythm!!! He knew the owner who managed Caribe Cafe as well. And when Larry Graham was being discreet visiting The Fair, told him to never shout out his name. James saw him walking and shouted out his name, brought attention to him, a little upset but forgave him. That was James. God rest his soul 🙏

With the hat on, James father Nathaniel "Nat"Smith and his mother Eloise Smith and an Uncle.

After went to Jarrett's house and he had me playing a virtual game, which I have never done before. This was pretty cool and interesting! I was on a roller coaster ride, shooting spooky characters! Kinda reminded me of when I was at Disneyland and did go on an indoor roller coaster ride with gooly creatures! The Haunted House. Here pictured Dee with her brother Jarrett.

For everyone, have a fantastic day! I wanted to correct something I made a small error in another message it wasn't an accordion James played on, maybe he could play that too long ago, but, it was cords on a keyboard.  When he sat at a table listening to a band he would put his hands on the table. He was playing cords on the table which looked like he was playing a real keyboard. He had his hands in perfect cord shape position and following rhythmically to the sounds of each cord, moving his hands quite quickly and accordingly. As well as dance in his chair or pretending playing an electric guitar 🎸 As well as getting up and dancing! He would even dip me!

James was being honored with a Certificate. He worked at the Parks and Recreation Board.

James pictured here in their home when he was a young boy pictured here with his mother

Thank you all so much ❤️ for coming! Seen here from right to left...Tony Green, Joe Maffei, Lori Rue Link, Ana Marie Seixas Maffei...
Thank you Tony for your tribute and for singing!!!  Joe for also standing up for your tribute, all your help as a pallbearer, with moving all that extra food into my car! Lori for your help also and for your comfort for just being there! Ana Marie for your help also with moving food and holding a memorial folder for me! Thank you Tony, Joe, Lori, Ana Marie for just being there!!!  And not pictured here Dee Carr and her son Royce Carr and brother Jarrett Jorgenson, Thank you also Dee for standing up for your tribute and sharing your story and memory! And Colleen Smith, Damon Springer, Rodney Wilson, and my sister Marita and her husband Mike Schuhwerck...Love ✨️ you all and God's blessings abundantly to you!!!

And for all those that came I thank you so much, or gave me a card in the mail, a note on my door, a phone call, or a spoken word, and a hug of condolence, my most appreciation. I wanted to share this that I  actually saw a red bird, assuming  it was a cardinal. As I was going out from the garage to pick up two special people to get them to the funeral, a red bird flew at and perched on a small post and looked at me. If you have ever heard of the legend of the red cardinal, it was my first sign I was looking for.  It was a sign for me saying I am right here and I am okay.

To; Kapala Glodek Malone Funeral Home...A special thanks to; Ryan Scharfencamp, Manager and Funeral Director of Dignity Memorial, Chris White, Office Manager, and Jeff, Rhonda, Sandy    From Natural Blessings...Celebrant Mary Vidas, FCM  Life Tribute Professional Certified/Registered Officiant, and those who made the meal, Thank you all who were envoled and your efforts to make this a beautiful successful special day! And for the beautiful music to my surprise was on a CD for me to keep, how special!                 1. His Eye Is On the Sparrow by Mahalia Jackson 
2. One In a Million You by Larry Graham 
3. On Eagle's Wings by Walkers to Heaven

At Orchestra Hall for a Clay Aiken concert.  Before show starts can get a special drink at the bar.

James was outgoing. He liked people.  He liked being around people and socializing.  He could never talk softly, he has said that about himself, especially when calling out for someone but with a caring robust boisterous tone, he could make one feel welcomed.  I could easily hear him with his distinct voice, with that said, I could find him anywhere. He could laugh and smile. He had his moments like everyone else, but he never left you feel left out in any conversation. God hold him now safely in the palm of Your Hands forever and ever, Amen.

A beautiful day out on the deck with fellowship.

Besides his passion for music, which he could remember every singer's name and songs. James loved football.  He  wanted to be a professional football player.  He tried out for the minor league's to get into the major leagues, but injured his knee and leg. His favorite Team is and was the Dallas Cowboys, also liked the Raiders. He loved all sports. He loved watching the French Open, Tour de la France, bike race. He loved watching gymnastics, Swimming, Wrestling, Olympics, Ice Skating, Downhill Skiing, Bowling, Nature shows, Shows about Minnesota History...You name it...He also loved to cook, graduated from a culinary course, with extensive tasting skills.  He liked to grocery shop. He loved his cooking shows like...Beat Bobby Flay, his western shows and sports talk host shows. He had done many jobs, forklift driver, school bus driver, worked at Microsoft and 3M with microchips for a short time. His mind was sharp and remembered many things. God rest his soul 🙏

At Minnesota Music Cafe 🎶 With Jellybean Johnson...

I can't remember his name, but he sang that day for all of us outside on the patio at a Restaurant that kept changing its name. "River Rock" something like that name then.

James, Jeanne and a band member of Big City.

At Minnesota Zoo with Dave Koz playing his saxophone

Here pictured with friends at 4th Street Saloon. Jimmy Turner, Walter and sorry can't remember your name.

James also liked the 4th Street Saloon and many other venues...Like music in the park, The Minnesota Zoo, by Subway, he loved Subway sandwiches too!, Como Zoo and Conservatory, Treasure Island, Grand Casino Hinckley, Turtle Lake...etc

James enjoyed the Westside Band. Here he is with Louis Trejo Jr.   James watched them for many years. He did a little bit of PR help in getting people start up dancing. James before was playing for a band called the Mystics.

Westside Band, seen in this picture, Tony Green, Joe Maffei, Junior on drums.

Westside Band, seen in this picture, Tony Green,  Joe Maffei, Junior on drums.

Westside Band, seen in this picture, Tony Green, Chico, Danny Rea, Joe Maffei, Junior on drums.

He he is with Jellybean Johnson at Minnesota Music Cafe 🎶

James loved to sing and perform in Karoke, he always drew a crowd and they enjoyed him.

He he is with Marcus who played drums. This is at the Minnesota Music Cafe 🎶  James also owned a drum set and played in his younger years as well as cords on the accordion, and tambourines. He mainly played percussions, and very good at it. His mother taught him to dance. He loved to dance and he was very good at that, which brought up the younger men who tried to follow.

Here he is with Tracy Blake who had his own band, Tracy Blake & Project. And Jimmy Turner who was the coach for the baseball league. Here they are at Bunkers.

James loved baseball and he was good at playing it in his younger years. He was on a league. He especially liked the New York Yankees, hence came the nickname, "New York".

Peace at North Ridge Health Care Center ✨️

Great form here, at the golf course pitching range. 👏

With Craig Powell "Screamer" at Minnesota Music Cafe 🎶

With Jay Bee at Minnesota Music Cafe 🎶

With Joe Maffei at Minnesota Music Cafe 🎶

OBITUARY

James "New York" Allen Smith

July 20, 1950 – June 5, 2024

Kapala-Glodek-Malone Funeral Home

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