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In Memory of
James "Russian Bear"
Smith
Smith
1927 - 2018
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Obituary for James "Russian Bear" Smith
James “Russian Bear” Smith, age 90 of Summit Township, passed away on Saturday July 14, 2018 at Pleasant Ridge Manor. He was born in Greenfield Township, PA, on October 23, 1927, a son of the late Joseph and Anna Zolikoff Smith.
He enjoyed archery hunting, fishing, and especially golf. When in his late 70’s as a 40+ year member of the Lawrence Park Golf Club, Jim was able to score well below his age and still drive the ball 270 yards. As a young man he pitched for the Glenwood Baseball Team Ararat Cigar and had a tryout as a pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds.
Jim retired from Marx Toys after 34 years of service as a toy designer. He was a member of the Siebenbuerger Club for many years.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Boni Alberico Smith; seven brothers, Charles, Mike, Steve, Oliver, Leon, Fred, and George; three sisters, Nellie Smith, Katherine "Kay" Markham, and Ruth Novichenko; and his beloved dog, and faithful companion of 16 years, Tasha, who was greatly missed at her passing.
Survivors include his two children, Cheryl A. Ferra of Erie and James H. Smith (MiJa) of North Huntingdon, PA; and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Funeral services and burial will be private and at the convenience of the family in Calvary Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were made by the Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home Inc., 5000 Wattsburg Rd., Erie, 16504.
He enjoyed archery hunting, fishing, and especially golf. When in his late 70’s as a 40+ year member of the Lawrence Park Golf Club, Jim was able to score well below his age and still drive the ball 270 yards. As a young man he pitched for the Glenwood Baseball Team Ararat Cigar and had a tryout as a pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds.
Jim retired from Marx Toys after 34 years of service as a toy designer. He was a member of the Siebenbuerger Club for many years.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Boni Alberico Smith; seven brothers, Charles, Mike, Steve, Oliver, Leon, Fred, and George; three sisters, Nellie Smith, Katherine "Kay" Markham, and Ruth Novichenko; and his beloved dog, and faithful companion of 16 years, Tasha, who was greatly missed at her passing.
Survivors include his two children, Cheryl A. Ferra of Erie and James H. Smith (MiJa) of North Huntingdon, PA; and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Funeral services and burial will be private and at the convenience of the family in Calvary Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were made by the Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home Inc., 5000 Wattsburg Rd., Erie, 16504.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James "Russian Bear" Smith, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
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