James "Jim" Smith, Jr

GENEVA- James "Jim" Smith, Jr, passed into the Arms of his Lord and Savior on Sunday (December 14, 2025) at his home. Family and friends may call from 10:00 am to 11:00 am Monday (Dec. 22) at Mt. Calvary COGIC, 21 Milton Street, Geneva. His funeral service will follow at 11:00 am.

James (Jimmy Smith) was born on January 28, 1958 in Geneva, New York to Elder James and Mother Mildred Smith. Jimmy attended Geneva public schools and worked several jobs with most of his employment as a Recreational Aid at the Five Points Correctional Facility in Romulus, New York.

From early on, it was clear that music was everything to him. Gifted beyond measure, Jimmy mastered the guitar and other instruments and could be found in his room working on the next song that hoped would be a hit.

Jimmy grew up at Mount Calvary Church of God in Christ where his father served as an assistant Pastor and his mother the choir director, so music and Church were very much a part of his life. He played the guitar during Sunday morning services — and his sound was distinctive. Throughout the years, Jimmy played in several bands, recorded music, and was always pulling someone into the recording to do the vocals. He was forever talking about music, listening to various genres and artists, playing music --it was his life. Some of his special characteristics were that he would always greet you with a smile and a kind word.

Most importantly, one week before transitioning from this life, Jim accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. That decision sealed eternal destiny and is the greatest victory of all. Sometimes God saves the best testimony for the final chapter! While we grieve, we rejoice knowing heaven gained another gifted musician.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mildred Smith and one sister Jessie Mae Smith.

He leaves to cherish loving memories: his daughter DamePaz Ann Willson; sister Ruth Sturdivant; granddaughters Damiel Elizabeth Tello and Olivia Morticia Wilson-Nunez; nephews Jamahl and Andre Sturdivant; a host of family and friends including long time friend Susan Singleton.J