James A. Smith

James A. Smith, better known as “Jimmy” or “Smitty” passed away after a short but courageous cancer diagnosis on September 25, 2026 at the age of 77 at Valley View Care Center in Fremont. Jim was born on November 25, 1948 to Glen and Janet (Thorp) Smith.

Jim graduated from Clyde High School in 1967, where he was a talented athlete and received a scholarship to wrestle at Ashland University. Unfortunately, injuries he received in an automobile accident derailed his time at Ashland, but he did not lose his love for wrestling. Jim became a wrestling official with the South Shore Wrestling Officials Association, earning the respect of countless fellow officials, athletic directors, and coaches all over northwest Ohio. He was a Class 1 official for 44 years before retiring in 2015. He was employed by Whirlpool Corporation and retired after over 30 years.

Jim was a very determined man, as evidenced by his 31 years of sobriety. He credited his great mentors and friends at his home AA group in Clyde for all their support and friendship over the years. By far, Jim’s passion was sports, and his favorite of all was Flier Football. If you attended a Clyde Flier Football game in the previous 45 years, you would have seen him holding the downs marker and leading the ‘chain gang’ on the sidelines. Jim spent countless hours over 4 decades at Clyde High School faithfully giving his time, energy and support to all Flier Athletics, and he loved every single minute of it. Jim was a very humble man, and he was truly overwhelmed with gratitude by the outpouring of love he received from lifelong friends, especially in his last month.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Amy Smith; son, Matt (Lorraine) Smith; grandchildren, Aaron Missler, Allison (Chris) Missler , Parker Smith, Morgan Smith and Brynna Smith; great-grandchildren, Elliott Missler and Novalyn Missler; brother Merrill (Glenda) Smith; his wife Theresa (Kocinski); stepsons, Anthony Tony (Shannon) Radzimoski and Nathan (Jennifer) Madden; stepdaughter-in-law Carrie Madden; step grandchildren, Caleb (Madison) Madden, Alia Stanley, Lilly (Joe) Madden, Christopher Radzimoski, Chloe (Chevo) Madden and Matthew Radzimoski and step great-granddaughter, Aurora Madden. Jim was welcomed into heaven by his parents, Glenn and Janet Smith, his sister Lois Nolan and his brother Donald Smith.

Family and friends will share in visitation on Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 10:00a.m. until the time of service at 11:00a.m. in the Auxter-Recker Funeral Home, 218 S. Main St., Clyde, Ohio. Graveside services will follow at McPherson Cemetery. Memorial contributions in honor of James A. Smith may be made to Flier Football Foundation, or Heartland Hospice. Jim will be forever missed, but we will hold him close in our hearts forever, and in his words, “God Bless and Angels be with you”.

We invite you to leave your memories of James and upload photos to the memorial page. His life was filled with kindness and love, and we hope that by sharing your memories, we can all find comfort and peace.