James R. Smerno, 62, of Niagara Falls, NY died on Thursday June 3, 2010 at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. Born in Niagara Falls, NY he was the son of the late Alex and Virginia (Miller) Smerno.

Jim was a lifelong resident of the Niagara Falls area and attended local schools. During the Vietnam War he served in the United States Army from July 15, 1968 until his honorable discharge on January 11, 1970. He was employed as a truck driver by Tops Corporation. Jim was a member of the American Legion in Niagara Falls. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed boating, fishing and biking. Jim also liked playing Bingo and the lottery.

Mr. Smerno was predeceased by his longtime companion Winnifred Eannone Smerno on October 5, 2008. He is survived by his three children, Beth Pifer of Jamestown, NY, Jessie (Jason) Lasher of Niagara Falls, NY and James (Shannon) Pifer of Buffalo, NY, and five grandchildren, Starr, Cloe, Jesse, Daniel and Sommer.

Visitation will be held on Monday June 7th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Rev Mark Auernhamer officiating. Entombment with Military Honors will be held in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. Memorial donations may be made to Upstate New York Transplant Services (UNYTS), 110 Broadway, Buffalo, NY 14203.