Obituaries

James R. Smith, 74

April 04, 2016

James R. Smith, 74, of Lititz passed away on Monday, April 4, 2016 at his home. Born in Manheim, PA he was the son of the late Benjamin and Minnie (Hoffer) Smith.

He worked for the former Alumax/Alcoa as a maintenance worker retiring after 40 years of service.

Jim (J.R.) was a resident of Manheim Borough for many years and was a huge supporter of the Manheim Central Barons football team. He was voted the #1 Barons football fan by the community several years ago. Over the years, he became a permanent fixture at every MC football game, home or away, as well as the pre-season practices. He enjoyed meeting up with his friends at the diner, especially “Derb”, to talk about the season. He was an avid fan of many other sports and loved the Miami Dolphins and the Philadelphia Phillies. Jim also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

J.R. will always be remembered for his love of life; sitting by the pool with his family over the summer and joining any party taking place – always ending up being the life of the party; making sure all bird feeders were full every day; reminding his grandchildren to check the oil in their cars every day as well; frequently calling his daughter at work to let her know how many eggs the chickens had laid; and most of all, his love for Heinz Ketchup.

He was a member of the Del-A-Ches Fishing Club, Elstonville Sportsman club and the Germania Band club of Manheim.

Surviving is a daughter, Lori, wife of Scott Eelman of Lititz and a son, Jim Smith of East Petersburg. Also surviving are four grandchildren; Heather, wife of Joe Keating; Ryan and his fiancé, Gabby Kitch; Sydney, Hunter, and Jim’s former wife and best friend, Laura Smith of Manheim. J.R. also leaves behind his siblings, Shirley, Wayne, Robert, Hoffer, Helen and Darlene. He was preceded in death by his five siblings, Benjamin, Gene, Jay, Ruth and Lorraine. J.R. had many relatives whom he loved dearly including his sister-in-law, Carol West; nephew Bruce West, wife of Sharon Fridy West, and his children, Justin, Dalton, Kyler and Jenna; and brother-in-law, Bob West of Florida.

Services and Interment will be held at the convenience of the family.

Contributions in Jim’s memory may be made to the Manheim Touchdown Club, P.O. Box 361 Manheim, PA 17545.

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Condolences to the Family

November 01, 2016

So sorry to learn of JR’s passing and so sorry that I didn’t find out until now. JR was a memeber of the FAC and always stole everyone’s heart.
I love you JR
Linda Purcell

October 26, 2016

JR, will miss your smiling face and always positive attitude.
FAC Friends

April 12, 2016

We are so sorry for your loss.  He will surely be missed.
love from Bertie and Wayne Kauffman, daughter of Ruth and Albert Forry

April 08, 2016

We were so sorry to hear of Smite’s passing.No matter how he was feeling, he was always cheerful and smiling. We have happy memories of time spent together. He will be missed. Our deepest condolences to the family. Doug and Susan Shaw

April 08, 2016

I’m sorry we didn’t get a chance to say good bye in person Smitty..Smite…all those years as young parents hanging out together or hunting/fishing or playing golf are some of my fondest memories.  Smite always liked to have a sense of mystery around his comings and goings; it was just Jim being Jim but it use to drive Rabbit crazy cause he could never figure out what he was up to.  Smite was always a very considerate and generous companion, a really good guy and we’re glad he had all the support he deserved from his family.  Our sincerest condolences on the loss of one of a kind.   Pat and Ray Herr, Manheim

April 08, 2016

Thoughts & prayers are with the whole family. Smitty will be greatly missed!
Harry Cassel & Family

April 07, 2016

Will miss JR at the diner as well at the football games.  We had been friends for many years.  I know he suffered for years and he is now at piece.
Mike Clair

April 07, 2016

You will be missed!

April 07, 2016

Smittty and I grew up in manheim. I remember his delivering papers with no shoes in very cold weather. He was a good guy always pleasant to talk to. I will miss his coming into the club to sign the book with his “how are you doing”. Good guy, rest in peace.
 
Barry I McFarland

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