James “Jim” Smolik

JAMES “JIM” SMOLIK age 54, beloved husband for 26 years of Christine (nee Puterbaugh); loving father of Faith; cherished son of Patricia (nee Jarosz) Smolik and Melvin (the late Kathy); dearest brother of Michele Kline, Mark (Linda), Greg (Lorrie), and Danene (Bill) Beal; treasured brother-in-law of Robin (Jeff) Arona; dear uncle, great-uncle, and friend of many.

James was born on October 31, 1966 in Cleveland, Ohio and passed away peacefully in his Chesterland home, on July 12, 2021, after a long battle with Glioblastoma, with his beloved wife and daughter by his side. Growing up, he fell in love with basketball and pursued it throughout his entire high school career. He attended, both Lake Catholic and what is now known as, Villa Angela St. Joseph and played varsity all four years. He also played on the Regional Runner-up Team in both ’84 and ’85 before graduating from St. Joe’s in 1985.  Jim represented the American dream when he started ERSE Electronics (Engineers Researching the Science of Electronics) in his mother’s garage as a young entrepreneur. He started off three decades ago with only $500 that his Nana had given him to create his business. Throughout the decades, Jim expanded his audio electronics business in several different divisions and had patents and trademarks for each one. The companies are known both nationally and internationally in the audio industry. Jim was never idle. He was always thinking about his next great design. He also had a strong passion for traveling, exercising, reading, and accumulating knowledge, but the most important thing in his life was taking care of his family. Jim was loved by all who knew him and will forever be missed.

Contributions may be made in memory of James to the Glioblastoma Foundation, P.O. Box 62066 Durham, NC 27715 or Hospice of the Western Reserve, P.O. Box 72101, Cleveland, OH 44192.

Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at Our Lady Chapel at Gilmour Academy, 2045 Som Center Rd., Gates Mills, OH 44040, at 12 NOON. Burial following at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of James at THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATIONS CENTER OF CHESTERLAND 12811 CHILLICOTHE ROAD (Rt. 306, just south of Mayfield Rd.) MONDAY  12-3 PM & 4:30-8 PM.

Livestream of the Mass Here