James L. Smith, Sr.

James L. Smith, Sr., 62, of Ottawa, was called home Friday, December 13, 2013 at St. Mary's Hospital. Memorial service for Jim will be at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 19, 2013, at Ottawa Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. prior to services on Thursday at Ottawa Funeral Home. Cremation rites have been accorded. Jim was born September 1, 1951, in Henderson, Kentucky, to William and Mary Alice (Smrcina) Smith. He married Miriam "Mimi" Waters on February 14, 1999 in Fremont, California. She died on July 3, 2013. Jim and Mimi aka "The Smitty's" ran a small hot sauce business in Ottawa for almost eight years. He worked at Carriage House in Streator in the maintenance department since October 15, 2001. He will be greatly missed by his fellow workers. He is survived by his three children, Michaelene Chartier, James Smith Jr, and Carrie Smith; his three stepchildren, Michelle (Rafael) Diaz, Mike (Chrissy) Riela, and Matt Riela; fifteen grandchildren; and six great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Mimi, but he will live on in our hearts forever. Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association.