James Ellis 'Jimmy' 'Grinder' Smith

James Ellis Smith was born October 29, 1950 in Columbus, Ohio. Jimmy or Grinder as his very near and dear friends knew him, received his education in the Columbus Public School System where he last attended Marion-Franklin High School. His hobbies and interests included swimming, dancing, martial arts, and watching professional wrestling. Jimmy was also a lover of music and was an avid fan of James Brown. While he enjoyed the company of his loved ones and friends, Jimmy would cuss you out in a minute and have no shame in it. On April 13, 2017, at the age of 66, James passed away while at Grant Medical Center in Columbus. He was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Hilton Smith, parents, Fannie Lee Smith and William M. Smith, grandparents, Harrison Penn and Susie Penn, brothers, Aaron Smith, William M. Smith, Jr., Donald Morris, Lonnie Morris, aunts, Thelma Ham, Alma Dews, and Elizabeth Ransom, and uncles, Washington Smith, Dunbar Smith, and Paul Smith. Those who remain to cherish memories of Jimmy are his brothers, Robert Smith and Leslie (Mamie) Williams, both of Columbus; sisters, Juanita Smith, Shirley Smith, and Alma Elizabeth Smith, all of California; twelve nieces, four nephews, 15 great nieces, eight great nephews. three great-great nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.