Prymek, James 'Smoe'

James “Smoe” Prymek

James “Smoe” Prymek died at home peacefully on Friday, Oct. 21, 2011, after a short battle with cancer that was diagnosed Aug. 15. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011, at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service, Iowa City, with the Rev. Rebecca Carver officiating. The family will greet friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date. Friends may join the family at the Eagles following the service to celebrate Smoe.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Dakota Prymek College Fund.

Smoe was born Nov. 27, 1958, in Iowa City, Iowa, to Janet (Kahler) Prymek and Joseph Prymek. He lived in the local area all of his life.

Smoe was currently employed at Pearson as a maintenance technician; before that he was a member of International Laborers Union Local 1238. He also attained his Iowa plumbers license and had attended Dynamite Blasting School in Washington state and attained a blasters license. He was also a member of the NRA. He was a 1977 graduate of Clear Creek High School.

He married Suzanne Bartusch Prymek on Aug. 31, 1990, in Iowa City.

He is survived by his wife, Suzanne; son, Dakota, at home; stepson, Christopher Mason of Iowa City; grandson, Blaze Mason of Cedar Rapids; his father, Joe; brother, Jere Prymek; sisters, Jonette Potter, Judith Knoll and Jacquelyn Prymek; as well as his maternal grandmother, Bernice Kahler of Solon; and his beloved dog, Checkers.

Smoe had many hobbies and interests throughout his lifetime. He started his racing career as a child in Soap Box Derby competitions. Over the years his racing passion continued with the progression of truck pulls, mud runs, demo derbies, motocross, and IMCA Modified Racing. He and son Dakota raced go karts together the past three years.

He loved to spend time with his family and friends. Smoe was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish, and camp. He enjoyed spending time in the garage working on various Smoe devices and gadgets. International travel was another passion. During his lifetime he traveled to six of the seven continents with his wife and son. He also loved to elaborately design and hand craft knives for his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Janet; his paternal grandparents, Lewis and Adeline Prymek; and his maternal grandfather, John Kahler.

Smoe will be sadly missed by all of us who were fortunate enough to have known and loved him.

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Published Oct. 24, 2011, in The Gazette