James "Jimmy" R. Smith

James “Jimmy” Robert Smith, 57, of Newington, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026, with his family by his side. James was born on September 15, 1968, in Hartford and is the son of the late Eugene and Marie (Morin) Smith. Born and raised in Hartford, James truly enjoyed living in the city. He graduated from South Catholic High School, and attended Canisius University, Buffalo NY and Trinity College where he initially began his career at Trinity. In 1999, he began working for the State of CT Judicial Branch as an Administrative Court Clerk. During his career, James worked alongside many judges and attorneys serving our state to the best of his ability. He also established great relationships with many of his co-workers, whom he considered his family. James was an avid reader, enjoyed traveling and was a huge Star Trek fan. He enjoyed cooking and baking for his family and friends, and after much prodding, he shared his guarded famous chocolate chip cookie recipe with his siblings, nieces and nephews. Jim was exceptionally proud of his Irish heritage and looked forward to the annual Hartford St. Patrick’s Day parade.

James will be remembered for his kindness to his family and friends as well as his charitable donations and volunteerism throughout the years…and especially his quick wit.

Sadly, James will be missed by his siblings, Patricia Johnson of Wethersfield, Mary Ethier and her husband Greg of Columbia, Billy Smith of West Hartford, Linda Smith of West Hartford and John and Lynne of Tolland. He also leaves his uncle, Thomas Morin, as well as many extended relatives and friends. Uncle Jimmy had a special place in his heart for his nieces and nephews; he regarded them as his own children and treated them as such. They will miss him. In addition to his parents, James was predeceased by his brothers, Eugene, Donald and Thomas and his beloved and loyal dog, Yoda.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, March 20, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. with a Memorial Service taking place at 6:30 p.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield. Burial will be private.

Memorial donations in Jim’s name may be made to Footwear with Care (Helping Hartford Homeless Walk in Comfort and Dignity) at www.footwearwithcare.org or please make a donation to your local food bank. To share a memory of Jim with the family, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com