Ronald James Smith, Jr

He heard the geese calling and went hunting. Ronald James (Jamie, Jim, or Ron) Smith Jr., beloved son, brother, uncle, father and grandfather, passed through to the other side, at home on the morning of Thursday, January 24, 2008. He fought a short, but courageous battle against esophageal cancer.

Jim was born April 7, 1967 in Ogden, Utah to Ronald James Smith and Janet Ensminger Smith. Jim lived in Weber County all of his life and hunted waterfowl with his brother Tony, on every piece of water he could find. He was a wild and adventurous boy and earned the name "Crash Cable" for all of his casts, stitches and stunts. While still in high school, Jim joined the Army National Guard and spent six honorable years supporting his country.

On June 7, 1990, he became a father and as a single parent, raised his son, Austin to become a fine young man. Parenthood wasn''t easy, but he had his family to help.

Jim was a master welder/millwright and enjoyed his work immensely, working for many companies in the area. Peterson Construction was his favorite and we would like to thank Dan Zanone for all of his support during the past year.

On Dec 14, 2007, the happiest day of his life, Jim married his soul mate, Cindy Watson.

Jim is survived by his wife, Cindy, companion dog, Rowdy, son Austin, two step-sons, a step-daughter, parents, Janet (Paul) Baumgartner, Clinton; Ron (Ria) Smith, Roy; grandmother, Julia Ensminger, Roy: brother, Tony (Amy) Smith, step-brother, Scott Mushrush, West Point, UT; step-sister, Stacy Wahl, Mesa, AZ; step-brother, Steve Baumgartner, Phoenix, AZ; step-sister Nikki Mikelson, Seattle, WA. Also surviving are two nieces, three nephews, Uncle Tom and four aunts, MaryAnn, Beryl, Judy and Carol, and special uncle, Mike Smith who was always there to help.

We are sure that Jim was met by Grandpa Leo along with Grandpa and Grandma Smith.

Special thank you to the IHC team, Dr. Vince Hansen, Dr. Porter, P.A. Merrill and even Dr. Sandju, who told it like it was. Thank you to the Alpine Hospice team of Susan, Rachel and Fred, for your compassionate care. "Dear, you''ve left the room, but not our hearts."

According to Jim''s wishes, after his cremation, we will gather for a Memorial service on Thursday, January 31st at 11 a.m. at Lindquist''s Roy Mortuary, 3333 West 5600 South, to remember things big and small.

Friends may call Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m., at the mortuary

Jim''s remains will be scattered in many of his favorite places.

A fund has been set up in Jim''s name at the American First Credit Union to help offset costs.

Email condolences to the family at www.lindquistmortuary.com