James (Jim) M. Smith

March 7, 1952 – July 24, 2021

James (Jim) M. Smith of Ephrata, Washington, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 24, 2021, at the age of 69.

Jim was born in Yakima, Washington, on March 7, 1952, and was the first son to James Edward Smith and Dorothy Ann (Bullis) Smith. At 15, Jim moved with his family to Ephrata, where he attended Ephrata High School and excelled at basketball. Following high school graduation, Jim worked for the Grant County PUD at Wanapum and Priest Rapids dams for 30 years, retiring in 2003.

Jim had a lifelong passion for basketball that was passed down through the generations. In 1970, local fans may recall how Jim stole the ball in the closing seconds at state regionals giving Ephrata High a last-second fast break basket and victory, followed by the next game and another steal in the closing seconds, giving the Tigers another unbelievable win. Fast forward 50 years to May 2021 when Jim was in the stands at Ephrata High cheering on his grandson who made the same last-second basket at the buzzer to beat Brewster, 73-71.

Jim was also an avid fisherman. In September 1989, The Journal noted Jim had caught the fish of the week, a 57-pound king salmon on the Columbia River. The paper reported it was a two-hour fish fight on 10-pound monofilament line fitted with a red J-plug.

Jim was always willing to help a friend or neighbor. He had a contagious smile and his stories, exaggerated or not, could bring you to your knees with laughter. He will be greatly missed.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife Susan (Irving), his mother Dorothy and father James and brothers David and Tommy Smith. He is survived by his stepmother Nancy Smith of Ephrata, sister Debbie Weis (Larry) of Ephrata, brothers Rob Smith (Raven) of Kennewick and Scott Smith of Ephrata, son Greg Smith (Lisa) of Wenatchee and daughter Heidi Burns (Brandon) of Ephrata, stepchildren Amie Fortner (Bill) and Eric Moulton and eight grandchildren.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, at the Ephrata Cemetery, with a reception to follow at the Lakeview Country Club.

Please leave a memory for the family or sign their online guestbook at www.scharbachs.com. Scharbach’s Columbia Funeral Chapel, Quincy, is assisting the family with arrangements.