James “Jim” Smith, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, musician, entrepreneur, licensed pilot, and dedicated public servant who served the City of Lynnwood for 26 years on the City Council, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, at the age of 75, surrounded by his wife after a courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).
Born in Seattle on December 30, 1950, Jim Smith was a lifelong resident of Lynnwood since at least 1968. He is an Edmonds-Woodway High School Class of 1969 alumni and earned a double bachelor’s degree in business administration and law and justice from Central Washington University.
Although born in Seattle, Jim spent most of his life growing up in Hawaii, the Philippines, and Japan.
Jim and his wife, Sherry, were married for 25 years and raised his daughters in Lynnwood, where family values were central to his life. Besides his love for Rock-n-Roll and flying, Jim was known for his deep commitment to community, prioritizing public safety, fiscal responsibility, and the well-being of residents throughout his extensive career in public service.
Jim’s public service spanned 26 years on the Lynnwood City Council, where he served from 1989 to 2011 and again from 2020 to 2023 to Position 4. He served as Council President earlier in his tenure then as Council Vice President in 2021 and 2022. He held various liaison roles, including on the Disability Board advocating accessibility, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission, the Parks & Recreation Board, and the Lynnwood Public Facilities District.
Beyond the council, he contributed to the Snohomish County Board of Health for over a decade, serving as Chairman; chaired the LEOFF-1 Disability Board for more than 12 years; founded and presided over the Lynnwood Chamber of Commerce; was President of the Washington State Jaycees of which he was a member for 12 years, and the former President of the Washington Pilots Association. Jim also was a member of the Alderwood Terrace Rotary for 10 years where he served as Secretary, Toastmaster for two years, and an 8-year member of the Seattle Seafair Commodores.
He championed community events such as the Lynnwood Christmas Tree Lighting and Celebration, the Lynnwood 4th of July Celebration, and former President of the Lynn-O-Rama Festival for four years.
Professionally, Jim had a distinguished career in the music and entertainment industry for 30 years as the owner, CEO, and COO of UNICAM Entertainment. For decades, he booked and managed musical groups, produced concerts and events, and represented cover bands that performed at high schools, colleges, and senior centers across the Puget Sound region. He also played in local bands, with his most recent group, “GenRAShun,” focusing on covers from the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and beyond.
Jim battled ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) with courage and grace. His legacy in Lynnwood is one of unwavering dedication to safer streets, lower taxes, and responsive governance, leaving an indelible mark on the city he called home.
Jim is survived by wife, Sherry; four daughters Becky, Jen, Jamie, and Ashley; sons-in-laws Tom, Joe, Ryan, and Nick; two grandchildren Hayden and Colton; and beloved Shih Tzu, Lulu.
A Celebration of Life will be held 1:30 p.m., April 18, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church —where he was a member for 40 years — located at 6215 196th St. SW in Lynnwood. Pastor Hector Garfias-Toledo will officiate the service. A reception at Trinity Lutheran Church will follow Jim’s Celebration of Life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to EvergreenHealth Hospice Care Center of Kirkland in his honor.
Author: Mario Lotmore
