James "Yogi" Smith

Age 75, of St. Paul.

James "Yogi" Smith, a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend passed away unexpectedly on December 8, 2023.

Preceded in death by parents, William and Marie Smith; sister, Carol Boden; and grandson, Lincoln Hendrickson.

Survived by loving wife, Judy, of 49 ½ years; children, Melanie (Derek) Hendrickson, Melissa (Mike) Nesdahl, and Matthew Smith; grandchildren, Brooke, Brenna, and Kalleigh; siblings, Mike, Tom, Judy, Mary, and Sandy.

Yogi was born in St. Paul, MN on March 30, 1948. He graduated in 1966 from Washington High School and served in the Navy. He was a great baseball player which got him the nickname "Yogi". He had expertise in construction and garage door installation. He had a generous and kind heart and an unforgettable sense of humor. Yogi's happiest moments were watching his children and grandchildren play sports, fishing with his best friends, and spending time with his family. He will be greatly missed.

Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM Thursday, December 21 at Maternity of Mary Catholic Church, 1414 N. Dale St., St. Paul. Visitation will be at Mueller-Bies Funeral Home-Roseville, 2130 N. Dale Street at County Road B from 4:00 - 8:00 PM Wednesday, December 20 and at the church from 9:30-10:30 AM Thursday.

Words shared about Yogi by daughter, Melanie:

Thank you all for coming to celebrate the life of Yogi Smith. My name is Melanie and I am Yogi’s daughter. I am beyond honored to speak about my most amazing daddio. I know my words will not do him justice. But, I will give it my best like he always taught me to do. 

To start, I will share words from our special friend Gary Bies, “What can possibly be said about Yogi? What CAN'T be said about Yogi? If you knew him, you loved him. If you met him, you'll never forget him. Nobody gave more, worked harder, or loved bigger. He had a huge heart, with a sense of humor to match. Whenever he walked in the door, you knew you were in for some laughs. He was truly one of a kind.”

We gather here today to celebrate James “Yogi” Smith. A loving husband of 49 ½ years, a wonderful father and grandfather, a fun uncle and brother, an amazing friend, and a faithful servant of the Lord.

My dad was born on March 30, 1948 in St. Paul. This is where he planted his roots and would make an unforgettable mark on this world. He graduated in 1966 from Washington High School. He served in the Navy during the Vietnam era. He was always so proud to say that he served our country. My dad was a great athlete. He played baseball, football, broomball, and softball. He was an amazing baseball player which got him the nickname, “Yogi”. This name would follow him his whole life. I can honestly say that many people don’t even know his name is James!

My dad married my beautiful mom, Judy, on June 22, 1974. She is the love of his life. He was a devoted husband. They bought their first house in Como Park, which turned out to be their only house. They loved living in the area and the community meant a lot to him. My dad loved being with my mom. They especially loved going to church, movies, performances, walks, kids' and grandkids’ events, and eating out together. They especially loved Culvers. His Veteran discount was a bonus! 

My mom and dad built a special life together with twin daughters, Melissa and myself and a son, Matt. My dad loved to watch us girls play softball, basketball, and volleyball. He made many trips around the state during our college years. He loved to watch Matt play baseball and hockey. He coached my brother in the North End area. He was so proud, yet always humble. Our family grew with his four grandchildren, Brooke, Brenna, Kalleigh and Lincoln. They became his ultimate pride and joy. He always said he lived to see Brooke and Brenna pitch and Kalleigh skate the ice and score goals! He was and is so proud of his grandkids. His face would always light up when he was with them. So would theirs.

My dad had expertise in construction and garage door installation. He worked at Knox Lumber, Star Equipment, Home Depot, and then ran his own business. His work ethic was admirable. He would go above and beyond for everyone, along with adding laughter and humor along the way. He loved work and was very good at everything he did. My mom often heard him talking on the phone about how he would get the job done.  He would always say it was a piece of cake.

My dad had the most generous and kind heart and of course as mentioned earlier an unforgettable sense of humor. He always lit up any place he was at. He would make everyone smile and laugh. His presence brought warmth and joy to those around him. You could often hear him say, “Code Red, Code Red”, "Report to base", or “This is a big time operation.” He would call his friends and leave messages to call, “The Big Dog”. 

My dad had a nickname for everyone. A friend of mine once told me that is how you know someone loves you. His friends were very important to him. He loved to stop and have lengthy conversations. He was known for that. Everywhere he went, someone knew him! If he didn’t run into a friend or an acquaintance, he was definitely talking to someone like he knew them and making a new friend. 

The Lord was very important to my dad. His faith grew and he always expressed the importance of a relationship with Jesus, going to church, and prayer. The Lord came first, family and friends second, and himself last. He was humble and never sought recognition for the things he did. He was honest, loving, caring and selfless.

I asked his family and a few friends to describe my dad in one word. Here are a few words that they shared: happy, loving, funny, sweet, joyful, supportive, boisterous, protective, caring, giving, proud, respectable, honest, jokester, hard-worker, strong, my rock, and faithful. The last one I received was Yogi. I quote my Uncle Charley, “Part Yogi the bear. Part Yogi Berra. He was a little of both. Yogi the Bear in Yankee pinstripes. One word isn’t enough for your dad.” 

My dad touched countless lives. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His presence among us will be deeply missed. His loss leaves a void that can never be filled. But, that void proves there was great, great love. I am extremely proud to be his daughter and call him my dad. It gives me comfort to think of my son, Lincoln, reunited with his grandpa in Heaven.

Please always remember my amazing father as we say goodbye to him as he leaves our Earthly home. We will be together again in eternity. I love you, Daddio! Well done, good and faithful servant.