James “Jim” Edward Smith, 63, of Knoxville, died Thursday, May 27, 2021, at OSF St. Francis, Peoria.
Jim was born April 12, 1958, in Jacksonville, IL, the son of Ed and Jan (Hickox) Smith. On April 5, 1981, he married Mary Lawson in Galesburg. Along with his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Kimberly Smith and Karie (Josh) Swarts, both of Galesburg; one granddaughter, Sidney Almaguer; two step-granddaughters, Kiersten Swarts and Kamrin (Kyle) McCoy; and a step great-grandson, Wyatt McCoy. He is also survived by his siblings, brother Jerry (Jaci) Smith of Iowa and sister Jody (Phil) Kane of Memphis, TN. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Jim graduated from Galesburg High School in 1976. He then served in the U.S. Air Force from 1976 to 1980. After, he attended Carl Sandburg College where he received his Associate’s Degree. Jim and Mary owned and operated Something’s Brewing in Galesburg for 17 years. He also worked in the HVAC industry for over 35 years, the last working for Neil Thomas Plumbing and Heating.
Jim had a passion for homebrewing, being outdoors, playing his guitar, music trivia, and taking care of his “Lil buddy”, Carmel the guinea pig. He was a part of many homebrew clubs throughout the Quad Cities, Peoria, and Galesburg. He was also an avid Bears and Iowa Hawkeyes fan. Jim’s final act of kindness was to be a tissue donor through Gift of Hope.
No services are planned and cremation will be accorded. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to Music Makers in Galesburg for children who are in need of musical instruments. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
