James L. Smith

James Leroy Smith, 81, of Dennison, Ohio, passed away at his home while surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, December 20, 2025, following a brief battle with cancer. Born March 19, 1944 in Louisville, Kentucky, he was a son of the late Alice Frances (Ennis) Baker.

A Dennison resident for most of his life, Jim was a 1962 graduate of Dennison High School where he met the love of his life and future wife, the former Stephanie Lynn Wanosik, who survives him at their home. They were united in marriage on February 20, 1965, and together they raised four sons, Ken (Bonnie) Smith, Mike (Rhonda) Smith, John (Jennifer, deceased) Smith, and Kiley (Carrie) Smith.

Jim is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Cory (companion, Jordan) Smith, Tyler (Lacey) Smith, Jordan (Josh) Haumschild, Hannah (Brian) Shrock, Mitchell (fiancée, Rebecca Wilson) Smith, Alexis (Hayden) McAfee, Jake Smith, Peyton (companion, Evan) Smith, Connor (Brittany) Smith, Heidi (companion, Trent) Smith, and Amanda (Joe) Scharr; 11 great-grandchildren, Harrison, Scarlett, Leah, Harper, Reo, Emalynn, Bennett, Elliot, Hayes, Linkin, and Tamen, with two more great-grandchildren expected; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Steve and Rose Wanosik, Tim and Tui Wanosik, Barry and Cindy Wanosik, Larry (Martha, deceased) Wanosik, Sharyn and Dan McPeek, and Sue (companion, Jay) Wanosik; and numerous nieces and nephews. His family was completed by his beloved canine companions, Kizzie I who preceded him in death, and Kizzie II who he leaves behind.

In addition to his mother and stepfather, Alice Frances and Howard Leroy Baker, Jim was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Jennifer; brother, Marvin Ennis; parents-in-law, Steve and Betty Wanosik; and sister-in-law, Martha Wanosik.

After serving his country in the U.S. Army, Jim had a long career as a steelworker, including over 30 years with Republic Steel in Massillon, as well as several other area companies.

In his free time, Jim was a sports enthusiast on many levels including being an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, Cleveland Indians, and The Ohio State University Buckeyes. He also loved to collect sports memorabilia and leaves behind an extensive collection of football and baseball cards, beer signs, ball caps, and other collectibles. He was a longtime Little League coach for the First National Bank of Dennison team which included eight championship seasons. He had also served as a past president of Dennison Little League, as well as an umpire and a track official. In retirement, Jim loved driving bus for Gold Star Tours – especially their senior citizen trips.

Jim was a member of the Dennison American Italian Club, the Uhrichsville Eagles, and the Uhrichsville Moose where he enjoyed spending time with his many friends. He had also been the bartender at the American Italian Club until very recently when his declining health prevented him from continuing. Jim attended NewPointe Community Church with his wife, Stephanie.

In keeping with Jim’s wishes, cremation is planned without a public visitation. He will be interred in Uhrichsville’s Union Cemetery on a future date. Those wishing to honor his memory by a charitable contribution are encouraged to do so to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.