James (Jim) Edward Smith passed away at his home on May 5th, 2022 at the age of 66. He was born on June 4, 1955 in Valparaiso, Indiana to James and Mildred Smith of Hebron, Indiana.

Jim grew up in the Lake Eliza area and attended Boone Grove High School. He was a lover of all things soft ball and spent many years playing and coaching the sport with his friends, siblings and children. Jim was known for his mechanical abilities and loved working on cars.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Kimberly Hankins; a sister-in-law, Beth Grenke;  and his only son, Jason. Jim had 13 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He is survived by a brother, Jeffery Smith of Hebron,IN,a sister, Kathy Smith of Crown Point,IN, and his five daughters Jennifer (Justin) Killmer of Hope, IN, Paula (Nate) Connors of Valparaiso,IN, Tina (Jon) Laster of Spring Hill, TN, Amie (Brian) Wiers of Demotte, IN, and Nicole (Daniel) Lewter of Schererville, IN, and also numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

There will be a Celebration of Life Service at Graceland Cemetery on Tuesday, May 10th, at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family