Obituary of James McConnell Smith

The family of Jamie Smith are heartbroken to announce his passing on April 6, 2022 at the Drew Nursing Home in Sackville, N.B., after a long period of deteriorating health.  Lynda and Jeff were at his bedside this past week; he was not alone. We played his favorite music via iPad/iPhone, we shared our favorite stories and memories with him, kissed him, held his hands, stroked his face and continually told him how much we loved him and how much he meant to us and that he enriched our lives.

Jamie passed into the outstretched arms of his mother and father, who have been waiting for him. They have missed him so much.

Jamie was pre-deceased by his parents, Ronald and Lois (McConnell) Smith in 2021 and 2018 respectively.  He is survived by his siblings, Jeff (Amy), Sackville, Lynda, Halifax and Lori (Philip), Saint John, as well as by his nephews and nieces, Brad, Mitchell, Alexandra and Laura.

Jamie lived many happy years with his second family at the M.O.R.E.’S Group Home in Chatham.  He was very loved and lovingly cared for by the staff/counsellors who diligently looked after his every need. They ensured that our Jamie had a great quality of life, hence, this was his Happy Place. I remember them telling me that they wished they had more like Jamie. After he left them, his joyous spirit, sense of humor and health notably declined. We are forever grateful to Jamie’s caregivers for the love and devotion they showered him with.

Jamie absolutely loved his music, cd’s and tapes; he was never happier than when he could listen to his music and sing and dance along. Jamie also loved to drink pop and eat ice cream, french fries, hamburgers, BBQ chips, cheesies and fried clams. Very paramount to Jamie was his birthday on August 23^rd and Christmas; the whole year revolved around these two events.

The pandemic was a very difficult time for Jamie.  He was lonely in his room and isolated from family.  It took a toll on him and his holistic health suffered. He missed frequent visits from his father, combined with missing his mother when she passed.

We will remember fondly Jamie’s witty, humorous and forthright remarks and comments, that always made us laugh and smile. There were so many. He never minced words; he said exactly what he thought, a straight shooter. Remarks like: “That damn weatherman”; “Nothing but junk/crap, and I hate it”; “Today’s a good day” and “You’re no damn good”.  Jamie was and still is our pure, innocent, sweet boy, our precious brother. He enjoyed the simple pleasures in life - drives in the car, trips to MacDonalds, picking strawberries, skipping rope, ice cream cones, going to the beach, going with Val to Walmart to get cd’s and his love for family cats.

Jamie was very loved, and we missed him even before he passed. Those big brown eyes and his beautiful hands. We are comforted in knowing that our Jamie has been reunited with his parents in heaven.  To know Jamie was to love him. Once again, Jamie can walk, dance, laugh and sing with the music.  For that we are grateful.  He is singing with the Angels, and how lucky they are to have him!

A huge heartfelt thank you to the staff of the Drew Nursing Home for their superb and loving care of our sweet boy.  It was very apparent to us that Jamie was very special to them.  My nights were made stress free due to the wonderful staff who made caring for Jamie “a priority”. 

We love you precious boy, you will be in our hearts forever. 

JAMIE IS OUR HERO. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Campbell’s Funeral Home, 89 Bridge Street, Sackville N.B. (506) 364-8188. We will celebrate Jamie’s life and legacy in Chatham, with those whom he loved and enjoyed spending time with; close to his birthday of August 23^rd- a double celebration!  

Donations in memory of Jamie may be made to the Miramichi SPCA, Saving Paws Animal Rescue or to the World Wildlife Fund. On-line condolences and sharing of memories may be forwarded to the family through our website www.campbellsfuneralhome.com or by visiting the funeral home Facebook page.