Loved ones remember former McHenry man who died of COVID-19

Family members are mourning the loss of James R. "Jim" Smith, who died last week of COVID-19.

Smith, 79, a former McHenry resident, passed away Nov. 4 at Glenbrook Hospital in Glenview.

"The virus got him and he lasted about five days," said James' 75-year-old younger brother, Robert Smith, of St. Charles.

James Smith grew up in Chicago's Lower West Side, and later served in the Army. Robert Smith said his brother was discharged due to a disability.

"He was a great brother - very caring, a great guy," Robert Smith said. "He lived with my mother for about 10 years before she passed away in McHenry and they took care of each other."

During most of his time in McHenry, Smith worked at Sam's Club in Crystal Lake. After being treated for cancer, Smith moved into a nursing home in Skokie in 2016.

"His life was complicated," Robert Smith said. "He was in and out of hospitals."

James Smith is preceded in death by his parents, one brother, two sisters, and a godson. He is survived by two brothers, a godson, and many nieces and nephews. Robert Smith was proud to mention that all the Smith brothers served in the U.S. military.

"Jim and I became very close after my divorce. We talked everyday," Robert Smith said. "I am thankful for that."

There are hopes to have Smith interred at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois. But Robert Smith said there have been difficulties in obtaining his brother's military records to verify his eligibility.

There are plans to have a virtual memorial for Smith in the near future.