James S. Smith 1963-2022
LIBERTY — James S. Smith, 59, passed away peacefully Tuesday evening, Sept. 13, 2022, at his home, following a four-year battle with cancer.
James was born May 26, 1963, in Youngstown, the son of Stephen Paul and Alice L. Flink Smith.
Jim was a Liberty Township police officer for 25 years, retiring in 2017, and previously was an officer in Struthers for five years. He started the first K-9 unit at the Liberty Police Department. His K-9 co-officer was Valor, who saved his life twice on duty. Jim was a 1981 graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School and the Youngstown State University Police Academy.
Jim was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Hubbard, Liberty Township Fraternal Order of Police, Knights of Columbus and the Avalon tennis club. He felt most at peace spending time at Lake Milton boat club. He played the trumpet for the Warren Junior Military Band and played semi-professional football for the Youngstown Cobras. He owned and cared for 26 husky sled dogs and traveled to race them. For many years, he provided DJ services as Jim Smith, DJ Productions. He was an avid Las Vegas Raiders fan, but most of all, Jim cherished all the activities of his grandkids. Family meant everything to him.
Jim is survived by his wife, Tricia D. Barnett Smith, whom he married on June 10, 2006; daughter, Alyson Smith and fiance, Chad Smathers of Girard; three grandchildren, Deklan, Axel and Adalia; three brothers, Stephen (Eva) Smith of Poland, Gary (Judy) Smith of Struthers and Pat (Kathy) Grant of Hermitage, Pa.; father-in-law, David Barnett of Austintown; and brother-in-law, Troy (Mary) Barnett of Canfield. Loki, his beloved Norwegian Forest cat was the best therapy he had.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Trent Alexander Swan, who died April 13, 2021; K-9 police dog, Valor; brother, Frank Smith; mother-in-law, Karen Barnett; and grandmother, Mary Minick.
Calling hours will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022, at the Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home, Niles.
A Service of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 19, 2022, at the funeral home. The Rev. Michael Swierz will officiate.
Burial will be in Greenhaven Cemetery, with an escort from the Liberty Police Department.
Memorial contributions may be made to New Lease on Life (animal rescue), 2773 E Midlothian Blvd., Struthers, OH 44471.
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