In Memory of

James

R.

"Gondi"

Smith

Obituary for James R. "Gondi" Smith

James R. “Gondi” Smith, 47 of Seth went to be with the Lord on Tuesday March 31, 2020 at his father in law Guary Kinder’s house in Charleston, which was his favorite place. He had a long battle with cancer.

Born September 16, 1972, he was a lifetime member of Racine Volunteer Fire Department for over 30 years. He loved going hunting at the farm in Jackson County and took great pleasure in spending time with his family and friends. He also enjoyed riding his Harley, “side by side” and just making memories.

He was preceded in death by his hero George R. “Crook” Clendenen.

Surviving Are:

Wife: Angela Smith, son: Timothy Smith, Stepsons: Blake (Whitney) Atkinson, Mason Atkinson, Mother: Joetta Martin, Father: James Smith, Sisters: Lynn (Ronnie) Maloskey, Jennifer (Sheldon) Smith, Christine Smith, Stepfather: Danny Martin, Stepbrothers: Dewayne, Danny and David Martin, Grandchildren who he dearly loved: Ellie, Gunner and Skylin, Mother in law: Geri (Steven) Legg, Sister in law: Jennifer (Randy) Wise and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

He had a second family he loved dearly: Jimbo (late Carol) Clendenen, Billy (Honey Lee) Clendenen, Sharon Estep, Larry Estep, Terry (Tina) Estep, Rusty Clendenen and family and Jamie (Trish) Clendenen and family.

He also had some really close friends that he loved like family: Jackie (Rhonda) Hayes, Jonathan (April) Bothwell, Scott McNeely, Shawn Turley, Robert Blaylock, Bill (Danielle) Howell and family, Cody (Brooke) Howell and family, Jeremy “Hook” Hamilton and family, Roy (Karrie) Fernatt, Rob (April) Matheney and Mary (Crickett) Bothwell.

Gondi enjoyed life to the fullest and could put a smile on anyone’s face. He was one of a kind and will be deeply missed.

Due to federal and state limitations on the number of people who may attend a funeral during the COVID-19 Pandamic, an invitation only visitation and funeral will be held at Leonard Johnson Funeral Home, Marmet with Rev. Reggie Woodrum officiating. Following that he will be cremated and a public memorial service will be held at the Racine Volunteer Fire Department at a later date (dates and times for that will be published in the Charleston Gazette and to this site when they become available).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the “Gondi Fund” at Whitesville State Bank.

Condolences may be sent to the family at leonardjohnsonfuneralhome.com.