Walla Walla, WA - James L. Smith, 86, of Walla Walla passed away on Friday, October 17th, 2025 at home with his beloved Margie by his side. Jim was born on March 6, 1939 to Guy and Edna Smith of Walla Walla. He was the fourth of five boys.

Jim attended Berney Elementary school where he discovered his love for basketball through the coaching of Ray Polley. Their friendship remained long into the years. Graduating from Walla Walla High School in 1958, Jim surrounded himself in anything he could relating to cars. He worked for several service stations and dealerships in town and did everything from washing cars to lube boy to auto repair. Many stories have been told about the guys racing their cars out on Sudbury Road. Jim's passion for racing carried on throughout is life. He spent many memorable days racing his Corvette at the Walla Walla Bonanza Raceway.

Jim met and married Sylvia Hansen in 1960. They had a daughter, Yvonne Marie Smith who was the joy of his life. His work took the family to Longview, WA and Portland, OR where he worked for dealerships in auto repair.

Life brought Jim back to Walla Walla where he made the move to open his own auto shop. Competition Motors in the Eastgate neighborhood opened its doors in 1971. Jim ran a successful business specializing in VW repair for over 30 years. The Shop was a popular hang-out for any family and friends who wanted to talk cars. Jim was fond of Corvettes and owned a few in his day. He loved working on hot rods, and especially loved his 1933 Chevy 2-door town car that he owned later in life and showed at several car events in the area.

Jim married Margie Schaefer Mathews in 1973. He moved his new wife and her daughter Kelly to Walla Walla from Salem, OR, and along with his daughter Yvonne, they became a blended family.

Jim retired and moved to a piece of property with a big shop where he continued his car hobby and welcomed drop-in visitors to hang out and shoot the bull.

Jim was a regular at the Super One coffee group, and made many friends at the store. He was well known for his morning ritual of driving his cart around and tossing Aussie Bites to the staff.

Jim is survived by his wife of 53 years, (his Angel) Margie, daughter Kelly Mathews, grandson Sean Maloney, granddaughter Madison Sand, grandson Parker Sand, great grandson Noah Maloney, brother Wilbur Smith (Sharon), brother-in-law Michael Schaefer (Beverly), special nieces and nephews, and way too many friends to list. Special mention goes out to Gary and Sandy Smith, Brian and Diana Smith, Jerry and Dee Haun, Mark Hardy, Donnie and Patti Cordeiro, and John LeFore.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Yvonne Smith, parents Guy and Edna Smith, brothers Eirgil, Jack and Duane Smith, and many old friends that were dear to his heart.

Those who loved Jim will forever cherish the memories he so much enjoyed making. Friends and family are invited to join in remembering him at a celebration of life in the Spring next year.