RIP Smitty
 

Hey Freaks

It is with great sadness that I let you all know that Smitty passed away last Thursday morning. I have waited to post this to let his family have some time to process.

He has not been on the site much for a while mostly due to having a lot of medical issues over the last yr.

He was a great ColtFreak and even better friend and will be missed

Once his wife posts the obituary I will post it here.

I really hate reading this, puck. Mike has been to my fishing shows and we have had some great conversations. He will be missed here, and in life. May God speed for his family.

Yes he told me about meeting you and your shows. He told me if was able to go again he wanted me to come along

o


I talked to him about his successful Coronary Artery bypass surgery several years back ...... I was really rooting for him to have at least a couple of more decades to live.

I'll miss you, Smitty ...... you were very easy to get along with here on ColtFreaks.

o

Hate to hear that

While I didn’t know him personally I feel like I lost a brother in Blue.

R.I.P. Smitty

Damn, that sucks. So sorry for his family's and your loss Puck. Agree he will be missed. He was a great member of the forum, and based on what those who knew/met him had to say he was a good dude out in the real world as well.

RIP Smitty. Hope you get to look down and watch many Colts successful seasons from here on out.

Hopefully Smitty and Jim Irsay are hanging out talking Colts football. RIP Smitty, and tell Jim I said Hi!

https://www.nswcares.com/obituaries/...4nu4LDlinSrMLg


James Michael "Mike" "Smitty" Smithson

October 20, 1960 ~ July 2, 2026





James Michael "Mike” Smithson also known as “Smitty,” 65, North Manchester, passed away at 6:37 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026. He was born in Marion, Indiana, on October 20, 1960, to James and Ellen (Thompson) Smithson. On December 22, 2009, he married Paula Griffith, who survives.



Smitty was a 1979 graduate of Madison Grant High School and for a short time attended Anderson University. He received his bachelor’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) and also obtained his master's degree in Business from Western Governors University (WGU). Smitty won a National Business competition that enabled him to realize his dream of being a business owner when he opened Smitty’s Truck Wash.



He spent most of his career in manufacturing, serving in various supervisory positions. Those positions led him to Noblesville, Marion and Huntington, Indiana and to Kenosha, Wisconsin. He was a member of Paw Paw Community Church. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed his days with his buddies on the water. He cherished the annual fishing trips he took with his friends for as long as his health allowed him to travel. Shortly after they married he and Paula moved to Long Lake where they were able to vacation at home. Smitty had a great mind and ability to work with numbers. He tutored others and assisted many with taxes and grant applications. He mentored others with business plans and was happy to share the skills that God provided him. He enjoyed all sports, but was an especially devoted fan of the Indianapolis Colts. He was an administrator on the Colts Freaks website for years, where he met many friends from near home and abroad. He had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren and loved them deeply. Those who knew Smitty will remember his generous heart, quick willingness to help others, love of family, and unwavering faith. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, friendship, and service that will not be forgotten.



Survivors include his wife, Paula Smithson of North Manchester; stepsons, Matthew (Andrea) Kory, Michael (Bonnie) Kory; grandchildren, Scarlett, Maren, Hawthorn; brother, Mitch (Penny) Smithson; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. His close friends are too numerous to mention.



He was preceded in death by his parents, James S. and Ellen L. Smithson.



There will be a casual gathering to celebrate Smitty’s life. It will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.



Immediately following the celebration, a brief service to celebrate Smitty's life will begin at 7:00 p.m. Good friend and Pastor Mike Sheehan will officiate. All are welcome.



In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made directly to the family to support an upcoming mission, or donations may be made to Paw Paw Community Church PO Box 204 Denver IN 46926.



Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.

Very sorry to hear of this development. Not a huge amount of engagement with him but it was very clear from his posts the shoe meant a great deal to him, and we as a community of freaks were part of his family. RIP Smitty.