James "Jim" William Smith

James “Jim” William Smith, 73, of Urbana, beloved husband, father, and brother, died peacefully on July 23, 2019 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana. He was surrounded by family and friends after suffering two strokes.

Please join Jim's family on September 21 at 11:00 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Urbana, for a funeral Mass/Memorial Service with Father Doug Hennessey officiating.  The Smith's will greet friends at a visitation at 10:00 am prior to the service. All are welcome at a luncheon in the Parish Hall after the service.  Friends and family are also welcome at an Open House to share memories from 4 pm to 7 pm at 209 W. Vermont, Urbana.

Son of Rev. John Andrew and Jamie Smith, Jim was born December 16, 1945 in Decatur, IL and was the 3rd of 4 boys. The Smith family moved to Urbana for Rev. Smith’s pastoral position at the First Methodist Church.

Jim attended Urbana Schools and graduated from UHS in 1964. He followed his brothers to DePauw University and later transferred to ISU where he graduated with a degree in history in 1968.

He and Betsy Sutton married July 18, 1981 in a joyful ceremony officiated by his father Rev. Smith, complete with Jim forgetting the ring! Jim and Betsy welcomed two children, Nick and Molly, who he loved deeply and was intensely proud of.

Jim inherited his mother’s quiet, unassuming temperament and enjoyed water-color painting, discussing theology, and cooking.

He was a lifelong fan of the Braves (whom he followed from Milwaukee to Atlanta), a lover of classical and jazz music, and an avid reader. He was a serious home-body later in life though he rejoiced and supported his family’s travels.

Jim is survived by his wife Betsy, children Nick (Erin) Smith and Molly (Morkos) Youssef, grandchildren Landon and Rebecca, and brothers Andy (Jan) Smith and Danny (Tonita) Smith.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brother Johnny.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, he asked that donations be made to the East Central Illinois Refugee Mutual Assistance Center, or that you take a friend out for a drink.

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