James Roy Smith

James Smith, 54, of Freedom passed away on January 11, 2023. He was the son of the late Arthur Smith and Joyce Porter.  James lived briefly in Ambridge, but he mainly grew up in West Aliquippa. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two siblings, Rose Smith Ballas and Donald Smith, brother-in-law, George S. Ballas.  He is survived by his loving niece, whom he taught to play chess, Tina Ballas and her husband, Kevin Bezuk, and great nephew, Silas Bezuk. He was born with muscular dystrophy which affected his eye causing him to have surgery to repair it at birth.

He was a championship wrestler in High School and received a scholarship to Robert Morris University.  He also was very artistic and used to airbrush paint.

He was quiet and spent most of his adult life hanging out with his siblings which were his best friends. He was very smart, kind, easy going and hard working. He loved to watch music history on VH1.  He also was interested in old cars but was not mechanical. People knew him as the nice man who worked at Rochester Goodwill for over twenty years.  

James was a strong person who tried his best no matter what life gave him.

Memorial contributions an be made in James’s name to the Freedom Volunteer Fire Department.