Jimmy Smith

                                                                 1946 -2004   

   

 

James Alfonso Smith, "Jimmy" was born April 2. 1946 to the late James A. Smith Sr. and Winifred M. SMITH OF St. Paul, MN. The eldest of two sons, Jimmy's younger brother Walter "Billy" Smith preceded him in death. Jimmy departed this life Friday, JULY 2, 2004 AT Shady Grove Adventist Hospital in Gaithersburg, MD.

Jimmy attended St. Paul Central High School and Chicago Vocational Training School where he trained as a welder. however welding did not fit Jimmy's outgoing personality. after a brief tenure with the Dayton Hudson Company, Jimmy pursed his passion for music and began his career in Radio. his love for music, began at an early age, by the late 60's Jimmy already had an impressive collections of 45's and albums, much to his parents disapproval. as an outlet for his love of music and during his spare time, Jimmy hung out at KUXL Radio Station Station in Minneapolis. Radio proved to be a vehicle through which he could exercise his love of music and make a living. In 1970 he received his class III Radio License and began his career as a Disc Jockey playing R & B music for KUXL Radio.

Jimmy married his best friend Juliana Hill of Minneapolis June 21, 1969. Through their union they have three children Cicely Erin, Charles Edward and Elizabeth Mary. Jimmy had a special place in his heart for his first grandchild, Arianna Kristina who called her grandfather, "Pop Pop".

Jimmy's homecoming was held Friday July 9th at Kensington Baptist Church 10100 Connecticut Avenue Kensington, MD.

Our Deepest Sympathy to his Family.

What's left of the strong ones

Plunky Branch & Byrd Pressley

Wanda Hayes & Ben Miles

Wanda Chris Berry & Ben Miles

Mad Ladd & Oggi Ogburn

Mad Ladd & Deek Deberry

Oggi & Wanda

Deek Deberry, Mad Ladd, Wanda Hayes, Kirby Carmichael, Linda Penn & Chris Berry

Kirby & Wanda

Tony Winger, Wanda & Kirby

Chester B & Linda Penn

Kirby, Linda Penn & Mad Ladd

Mad Ladd & Ben Miles

Deek & Chester B

Chester B & Boo Frazier

Dan & Sharon Hutko

Ben, Ladd & Deek

Al Jones, Boo Frazier & Wanda Hayes (seated)

Max Kidd  (Seated)

Mike Kidd

Jimmy Smith's Family

Wife Julie, Son Charles Daughters Cicely & Elizabeth.

Reflections and Memories of Jimmy Smith

Man...(sigh) We lost another BIG one today. Mid-Atlantic Promotions man and my good friend Jimmy Smith (formerly of Motown, Columbia & A&M in the 70's,80's & 90's) died suddenly this morning of heart failure. He now joins Woody Johnson & Barry Terry promoting heavenly hits cloud to cloud.

I saw him last at Woody's funeral and had it on my heart to call him yesterday, but I didn't. I regret that today. When GOD lays it on your heart to call someone you haven't spoken to in a while do it, if not you may regret not doing it as I have. My condolences go out to the family.

With Jimmy it was always a good time, he always had something big, something hot and it came with a nice dinner somewhere that the food was bumpin! lol. He would always open up the trunk and give me toooo much product before he left. lol  He'd say, "Hardy Jay, take it and give some to your friends. Hell, I ain't gotta pay for it. It'll give em something to play for their friends, maybe they'll like it and buy it". Then he was off to the stores, one stops or the local club before hitting the road. He was my friend to the end long after the business retired him. Yesterday he was full of life and now today he's gone. I'll miss you Jimmy.

Ya Know.......To All Of My Friends And The Veterans Reading This. And You KNOW Who You Are. We Really Need to Stop Getting Together At Funerals.

Jay Lang
Afternoon Drive
WJZW Smooth Jazz 105.9

Washington, DC  20015

 

I am sure that every MD on the east-coast has talked to Jimmy at one time or the other. Jimmy is the first promotion man to come see me when I was at WJJS in the late 70's when I didn't know what a promotion person was! Jimmy was not only a promotion man...he was your friend. He know how to push a record! But he was one of the few that would call you....even if he wasn't pushing anything....just to say Hi! I will always remember that! When Jimmy called....don't forget to hold the phone receiver away from your ear (smile)!! Deepest Sympathy to his family.

From the Madd Ladd

WLLL Gospel AM-930

Lynchburg, VA.

 

Today the music industry lost a National Treasure. Even through the landscape has changed  over the years Jimmy Smith is and was the Reference of what a Promotion person  and friend is and should be.
If Jimmy had been CEO of a major label,  the label would have a roster of hits on the charts because he was Promotion whiz.
Jimmy treated the guys in the small markets the same as the guys in the Majors. I got my start in Roanoke at WTOY and thanks to Jimmy and his love for the industry, artist and the Stations, we too had packed venues in the Roanoke Civic Center.
The Dramatics, Floaters and many more. The impact Jimmy had on the stations also impacted the Cities served by these stations. The concerts, giveaways, artist interviews.
The city embraced the artist, the artist sold music and the station had great promotions.
Jimmy was my National Treasure and I will forever mourn his transition.
He Will be missed

 

Jerry Carter

105-Three Kiss FM

Norfolk, VA.

 

Deane, thanks 4 hitting me up. That was my man !!! Once or twice a month he and I would talk and share the 411 on da old heads and da state of da game now. Always the optimist and never fell 2 make me break a laugh. The Brotha will be missed. Da nigga adopted my home (Norfolk) back in da day and U know Lynchburg was like da nigga's second home. So when I stroll down memory lane, I break a smile. 4 another true warrior, journey complete and game over. Rest well my Brotha. 

One LUV, Leroy Little, JR

 

Jimmy was the 1st promotions executive I ever met, while starting my radio career in Lynchburg Virginia. I thought back then that he must have had the absolute best job in the world....and had fun doing it!
 
How could I know that he would end up leaving such an impression on me, and others, with his passion, his caring and his love of life. He was one of those special people who in part responsible for my current career path. Not only that, he was a friend who simply took you as you were.
 
My prayers go out to Julie, the kids and grandchildren of a man, industry vet, and friend who will be sorely missed.
 
 
Chris Barry

 

Jimmy was one of my favorite reps when I was programming V103 in Baltimore
in the 80's. He was professional and not pushy. Now, the young reps come to
the station dressed in anything, if they come at all. The new guys in radio
and records could learn from Jimmy.


  Tim Watts
  Program Manager
  WWIN-FM-BALTIMORE

 

 

I will always remember Jimmy's with and his smile!  Genuinely willing to help a "new head".
I must say I agree with Hardy, we should consider just having a "Back In Da Day" jam with all the old heads. Anyone wanna get in on this idea hit me via email and we can go from there...perhaps Richmond, since it seems to be in the middle.

Have a pleasant and productive day and remember to give God some time, He loves to hear from ya!

Tony Winger

 

 

Jimmy, thank you for your love, respect and laughter. You could always count on Jimmy for a hardy laugh. I can see Barry, Jimmy and Woody on a road, with Biggie, Tupac, Left Eye and Aaliyah out on tour. Barry and Jimmy taking about back in the day and how music is not like it use to be, and trying to keep Woody form doing something crazy. (smile)  Rest in peace my brothers.
 

Wanda D. Hayes

 

 

Jimmy Smith was one of the first promotion men to take a chance on a brother who called himself a photographer. I was in my learning period of taking pictures and Jimmy hired me working with Isaac Hayes. That was in the beginning since that time it was Stacey Lattisaw,
Johnny Gill, C&C Music Factory, DeBarge and many more over the years. Jimmy was always smiling and in good humor. We got into the new technology together and talked all the time. I will miss my good buddy. But as we all know Jimmy is in a better place because God does not make mistakes. May Jimmy Rest in Peace

 
Oggi Ogburn

Kirby:

Sorry to have heard about Jimmy Smith. He and I had begun to talk again,
since the WKIE days...
just talked with him a few weeks ago.  Byrd Pressley called and told me of
his, sudden passing.
I was shocked/stunned!  Jimmy was one of a kind, a true legend in the
business.  Old school!!
He was so cool to talk to. I'm not telling you anything you don't already know.

Carter G.

 

I remember coming to the Mid-Atlantic in 1986 and meeting Jimmy for the first time. I recall thinking many times since that he always had a big smile and a positive outlook; nothing much ever seemed to bother him. I happened to be on the road with him when he experienced the early signs of heart trouble. Two days later, his wife called to let me know that he was in the hospital. I reconnected with Jimmy a couple of weeks before Woody Johnson passed and we spoke every 2-3 weeks. Like someone else said, when God puts someone on your mind, reach out to them. A writer once said, "Yesterday's gone. Tomorrow may never be mine". I regret that I can't attend his services because it would be good to see the many old friends and acquaintances whom I'm sure will be there.

 Larry B. Davis

 

Dear Kirby,
 
I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks for your contributions to our fallen brothers.  First it was my dear friend Barry Terry, then Woody and now Jimmy Smith.
 
Putting together the information and transcribing the various thoughts of there friends and presenting the following in such a professional manner brought back so many memories of the great times I spent in Washington, DC. as a record man.
 
Thank you,
 
 Stanley Bethel

 

Mr. Carmichael –

You do not know me. My mom (Sharon Hutko) gave me your web address. I am her daughter Sandi. I live in Hawaii. I was unable to attend Mr. Smiths’ funeral. I wanted to let you know that I am finding peace & comfort looking at your wonderful pictures & reading all the heart felt sincerity of those who love Mr. Smith. My family has known the Smith family throughout Rock View Elementary, Sligo Middle, Albert Einstein High School & KBC - Kensington Baptist Church. I sang in our church choir with Mr. Smith & his oldest daughter Cicely for many years. I too miss his contagious smile and jolly positive outlook on life. The Lord has taken a “good” one from our green earth once again. Tomorrow brings a new day, cherish it always.

Sincerely,

Sandi Hutko

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                   

 

 kirbycarmichael@aol.com