James Edward Smolik

James (Jim) Edward Smolik, age 80, of Inver Grove Heights, MN, passed away peacefully at home on November 10, 2026, surrounded by family.

Jim was born on October 16, 1946 in St. Paul, MN to Gene and Lauraine Smolik. Jim graduated from Monroe High School and went on to build an amazing career as an electrician. He was a proud member of IBEW 110 for 56 years. He often recalled he began paying dues on his first job earning $0.55/hour digging ditches on a job with his uncle. His last project, a real swan song, was as a lead journeyman on the I35W bridge project.

Jim will be remembered for his many interests and gifts, the first of which was his love and support of family and friends. Other things close to his heart included: Being a dedicated racing fan; especially dirt track racing at Cedar Lake and Knoxville. Jim and Janean were enthusiastic travelers; A favorite destination was Disney and there wasn’t a cruise they would say no to. He never missed his grandson’s baseball games. Jim excelled at DIY - A true Trades Renaissance man: Plumbing, tiling, drywalling, welding, car mechanics, small engine repair, digital archiving and more but the truly amazing thing is how generous he was sharing those gifts with family and friends that needed a hand. Jim was an inspired cook known for his roast beef sandwiches, French onion soup, raspberry margarita pie, deviled eggs, pickle roll-ups and The Dip. Jim enjoyed helping organizing Monroe reunions and attending Monroe luncheons hosted at Mancini’s.

Jim was proceeded in death by his parents and brother Gary. He is survived by Janean, his wife of 58 years, his children Michelle, Kristin (Greg), and James (April), his grandchildren Arianna (Gabe), Kieran, Quinn, Linnea (Chez), and Dylan, great-granddaughter Ahlanna and siblings Jeanne and Joyce. He will be missed by many other family and friends including the Taco Wednesday group, Charley and Kathy Morehouse, and The Club bridesmaids.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date.