June 8, 1948 – March 7, 2025
James Gerald Smith, “Smitty”, a 76 years old Fort Jones resident, passed away peacefully at the Madrone Hospice House in Yreka on March 7, 2025.
James was born on June 8, 1948 in Minnesota to Gerald Frank and Ethel Sophia (Kallio) Smith. After high school, he joined the U.S. Army, completing a tour of duty in Vietnam. Following an honorable discharge, James worked for over 35 years as a mason and master brick layer.
Smitty was an avid bass fisherman—a self-described addict! He knew all the hot spots in Siskiyou County, and could always be found where the fish were biting. He also enjoyed motorcycles, both riding and restoring vintage choppers, and he often rode with the Midnite Riders Motorcycle Club when living in So. California. After moving to Fort Jones 15 year ago, he became a regular of the Nor-Cal Riders, and could be seen leading the motorcycles in the annual Fort Jones Christmas Parade.
He was always positive, cheerful, and easy going with a great sense of humor and magnetic personality. Smitty was a very loyal, kind-hearted, and generous friend to all that knew him.
James is predeceased by his parents and his brother, Robert Allen Smith. He leaves behind his sister, Kathleen Braithwaite of Prescott, Arizona and many, many friends.
Services are pending.
sourced: Girdner Funeral Chapel
Riding into the sunset