James Maurice Smith, 87, of Cleveland, Ohio passed away on February 9^th, 2023, after a battle with cancer.

James, best known as Jimmy, was born on September 11, 1935, to Jonathan and Essie Smith (nee Mitchell) in Georgia. His brother John was born a year later in 1936. The family eventually migrated to Cleveland, Ohio.

After Jimmy graduated from East High School in Cleveland, Ohio, he went on to study at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. He later found a career at the United States Postal Service where he served as a mail carrier and a supervisor before his retirement. Jimmy was also an entrepreneur in Cleveland, Ohio. His last business was Dearing’s Bar and Restaurant, once a well-known establishment on Superior Avenue which he operated until his final retirement in 1999.

Jimmy was a member of the Glenville Elks Lodge 1494. He was also a talented bowler. He participated in many bowling tournaments and belonged to many leagues throughout his life.  In addition to bowling, he loved many other sports and was a great spectator of track and field events, baseball, football, and golf. He, like many fathers, also enjoyed the sport of bragging about his children and their accomplishments.

Jimmy knew how to have a good time and enjoyed showing a good time to others. He was naturally quiet, but always willing to share his opinion, regardless of how contrary. In the years since his stroke in 2020 he spent more time with his family and he seemed to greatly value that opportunity. He will be greatly missed.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his brother John Smith, father Jonathan (Joe) Smith and mother Essie Smith.

He is survived by his children Daryl Waters, Michael Waters, Jeffrey Addie, Terrance Smith, Yvette Logan, Eric Logan, and Brian Mitchell; nieces and nephew Angela Harris, Darlene Robinson, Shaitanya Mabrey- Clement and John Derrick Cooper; 20 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and a host of other family members and friends.