James W. Smith

He was preceded in death by his father, David Levi Smith of Corbin, Kentucky, and his beloved beagle, Wrigley.

James is survived by his husband of 32 years, Ken Wilford of Columbus; his mother, Virgie Smith of Dayton; his sisters, Arlyn Diamond of Chicago and Anna Lisa (Scott) Mason of Dayton; and his cherished nieces, Courtney Mason (Gabriel Morales) of Columbus and Kendal Mason of Dayton.

James spent his childhood in Texas and Ohio, attending Judson High School in San Antonio before graduating from Stebbins High School in Dayton in 1989. He went on to earn a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame in 1993, a place that shaped him deeply and ignited a lifelong devotion to Notre Dame football — Go Irish!

After college, James began his career in Chicago with Safco Technologies, working on early wireless network systems. In 1998, he and Ken moved to San Diego, embracing life on the West Coast while James contributed his talents to Cardinal Health and Alaris, where he tested medical infusion devices.

In 2015, the couple relocated to Columbus to be closer to family. There, James continued his professional journey at Nationwide Insurance as a quality assurance engineer in the investments division.

James will be remembered for his outgoing personality, generous spirit, and unwavering love and loyalty — to his family, his friends, his work, and his Fighting Irish.

A celebration of life will be planned for a future date.