Friends and family have shared their relationship to show their support.

How do you know James A. Smith?

Family Friend Work Other

We are sorry for your loss.

Help others honor James's memory.

Copy

Coping with Grief

We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.

Official Obituary of

James A. Smith

James Smith Obituary

James (Jim) Alexander Smith of Reading, PA, peacefully flew from the confines of this earth, surrounded by his family at home, on January 29th, 2023. He was 40 years old. Jim was born in Hershey, PA on December 23rd, 1982, the son of James Smith and the late Teresa M. Pflum. He was raised in Reading, PA, graduating from Holy Name High School in 2001. He also lived in Tulsa, OK for several years before returning to Reading in 2017.

Jim served as a chef in many restaurants over the course of his adult years. He also used his musical talents as a guitarist in the band, Latch Key. He had a passion for music, with his favorite artist being Rush. His favorite song was Free Will. Jim treasured his time in the kitchen, especially when cooking with his son, Leander. He loved movies and long car rides, with or without a definite destination.

Most of all, Jim deeply loved his son, his family, his best fur-friend, a ShibaInu named Sune, and animals of all kinds.

Those grieving Jim’s passing are his son, Leander Agena; his former wife, Jessica Potts (mother of Leander); his sister, Erica Rivera, wife of Nelson (Mikey) Ramos-Paneto; his brother, Luis R. Rivera, Jr.; his maternal grandmother, Nancy Pflum; his great-aunt, Margaret Pflum, four nephews, and three nieces, along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Along with his mother, Jim was predeceased by his stepfather, Luis R. Rivera, Sr.; and his life partner, Michael P. Tersigni.

Jim will be infinitely missed by the family and friends he leaves behind. His contagious smile and loving heart will remain with us, along with the wonderful, loving memories that reside in our hearts. Fly free, Jim. Your earthly battle is over. Embrace the peace that surrounds you.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made directly to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Financial Management – Gift Fund, National Institute of Health, 6700B Rockledge Drive, Room 1336, Bethesda, MD 20892-6902.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James A. Smith, please visit our floral store.