Edward James Smith

Edward James Smith

May 14, 1942- January 1, 2023

Edward James Smith “Jim”, 80, passed away peacefully on January 1st, 2023 surrounded by his loved ones.  Jim was born in Philadelphia, PA on May 14, 1942 to Russell and Mary Smith (née Flanagan).  He was raised in Upper Darby, PA and attended school at St Laurence Grade School and Monsignor Bonner High School where he graduated in 1961.  Jim proudly served our country honorably in the US Army from 1962-1968. 

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Regina (née Ferkler); his siblings Russell (Leah), Mary Louise “Tootsie” (the late Dennis “Brad” O’Brien), Rose Mary “Rosie”, Mary Jane “Janie”, and Margaret Mary “Margie” (Stephen Loehrs).  He will be missed dearly by his children, Kelly, Tracy, Scott, Jimmy, Jill (Bruce), Sarah (Jack), Becky and Leann (Steve) as well as many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues.  He also recently became a great-grandfather.

Jim was an avid Philadelphia sports fan and collector of memorabilia. You could always count on him for Phillies stats or the line on next week's Eagles game. He spent countless hours researching players, statistics and positions.  He could have written a few books with his wealth of knowledge.  He loved to read and take photos. He was the designated family photographer, and an expert at photobombing.

Jim was an amazing carpenter as well and would always have at least two projects going on at the same time.   Whether it was a basement bar for a family member or a miniature bunk bed for his granddaughter’s dolls he would never pass up the opportunity to share his skills. He also took great, great pride in his home.  He and Jean were a two person wrecking crew, constantly remodeling or refinishing a room together. 

It was his family he loved most and the ones who called him Pop Pop held a special place in his heart.   He took many of them to their first Phillies game, taught them to play chess and also how to fill out a Super Bowl block pool.  He was always there to support them and showed up at nearly every game, dance recital, play or musical they were in.  Jim was also the consummate party host.  No one wanted to miss the epic Super Bowl parties in the basement, fun filled block parties on South Brighton, or the many backyard pool parties where he blasted the oldies and cooked enough burgers to feed a small army.  His favorite place to be was with the people that he loved. 

There are so many things that we could say about Jim and the kind of man he was.  He was a funny, witty jokester that could always make you laugh.  He was a man with strong opinions who could strike up a heated debate about politics with you one minute and then commiserate with you about the Eagles or Phillies performance the next.  He was a generous man and would give you the shirt off his back, if you were in need, and was always willing to lend a hand when someone needed help.  He was kind, loving, creative, and taught us all more than a few things along the way.  He was truly one of a kind and we can honor him by telling the great stories we have and remembering the fun times we shared.  It is with great sadness that we say goodbye.  He will be sorely missed by many but his legacy will live on in his family and friends. 

Relatives and friends are invited to Jim’s Visitation, Tuesday, January 10, 2023, 10:00 – 11:00 AM at The Donohue Funeral Home, 3300 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA  19073, 610-353-6300, followed by his Memorial Service at 11:00 AM.  Interment private.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Jim’s memory to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105. https://www.stjude.org/. It is something he wanted to do while he was with us and was a cause that was close to his heart.