James Arthur “Jim” Smith passed away peacefully at his home in Mattole Valley on March 15, 2025. Born January 16, 1945, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Eureka, Jim was the oldest child of Donald and Mildred (Lindley) Smith. Shortly after his birth he and his mother joined his father at Garfield Air Base in Illinois, where his father was a twin engine flight instructor in the Army Air Force.

Jim grew up in Ferndale, attending local schools and graduating with the Ferndale High School Class of 1962. He continued his education at Humboldt State College before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1966. After his military service, Jim continued what would be a 35-year career with the California Department of Transportation as a CalTrans Transportation Engineer. Significant projects he supervised included construction of the Rio Dell-Scotia Bridge, the Lindley Bridge at Mattole, widening of Hwy 199 by Patrick’s Creek Resort, and the Del Norte bypass, before retiring in 2000.

Retirement allowed Jim to fully embrace the places and pastimes he loved. Summers were spent in Christmas Valley, Oregon, on Dennis and Pam Mauney’s ranch, while winters brought him back to the Mattole Valley, where his mother had been raised. He was the proud grandson of four Humboldt County pioneers: George Lindley and Verna Hindley Lindley of Mattole and Arthur Smith and Alice Haugh Smith of Port Kenyon/Arcata.

A man of adventures and many interests, Jim was an avid skier in his younger years, even working a season as a ski instructor at Squaw Valley, alongside his good friend Dennis Mauney. Following in his father’s footsteps, Jim had a passion for aviation, piloting his own Cessna 172C. He enjoyed the open water aboard his Clipperman sailboat. Later in life, he took to riding his EVELO electric bicycle. He also had an unexpected brush with media fame when a cascade of bricks flattened his Volvo during the 1992 earthquake - his loyal dog, Shotzie, miraculously survived inside.

Jim is survived by his aunt Guimar Lindley; sister, Susan (Dean) Petersen; his brother, Jack (Joanne) Smith; his nieces, Wendy (Norm) Sotomayor; Kalynn (Bobby) Dolcini; Julie (Brandon) Axell; his nephew, Josh (Kim) Smith; his stepmother, Donnis Smith, and his former wife, Davina George. He will also be fondly remembered by Janice Thomas, Teresa “Toad” & Charlie Hower, Nick & Patty Mendes, Paul & Alana Clark, Pam Mauney, Larry Turnbow and Charlie Jones.

As per Jim’s wishes, no formal service will be held. His ashes will be spread in Mattole Valley and Christmas Valley, the two places he called home. The family extends their gratitude to Dr. Mullins, Dr. Albertini and Dr. Shayeb for their compassionate care.

In honor of Jim, donations may be made to The Ferndale Museum, (PO Box 431) or Ferndale Fire Dept. (PO Box 485), Ferndale, 95536; or the Petrolia Fire Dept. (PO Box 169) or Mattole Valley Historical Society, (PO Box 144), Petrolia, 95558.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Jim Smith’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.