SMITHHe always said, "You can't spell jerk without JK." But there was nothing further from the truth.James Knox "JK" Smith IV, 35, passed away on May 6, 2017, surrounded by his family and dearest friends. He was a talented woodworker and artist, whose work can be found all over Cincinnati. He was simultaneously wise beyond his years and a kid at heart.JK was born on August 19, 1981, in Ventura, California to James Knox Smith III and Rita Ann (Maliszewski) Smith. His formative years were spent playing in tidal pools, on soccer fields and in campgrounds. He loved science, dinosaurs, bugs and reptiles and became a surfer dude before his family moved to Loveland, Ohio.His fascination with nature (and human nature) only grew with age.He honed his artistic skills and sharpened his mind at St. Andrew Middle School, in Miami Township, and then Archbishop Moeller High School, in Sycamore Township. JK graduated with a bachelor of fine arts from the Art Academy of Cincinnati, with a focus in drawing and printmaking. While there, he helped organize The Stinks soccer team and was a member of the Shouting Choir.Later, his regular medium became wood and he crafted his own method of fusing all sorts of wood together to make beautiful art, including the gavel-shaped tap handles at Taft's Ale House in Over-the-Rhine.Social butterfly didn't begin to describe JK. He fed off the energy of others and gave it back in droves. He could talk for hours to friends, family and strangers alike (on planes, trains or the barstool beside him). People were drawn to his infectious laugh, quick wit and smile that went on for days. So many people called him brother, family.On September 22, 2012, JK married the love of his life, Carrie Blackmore (Whitaker) Smith. He waited six years to ask, but she didn't care. Being with him was enough, as most who knew him understood. Together, they became world travelers and avid campers, collecting friends all over the globe, from Honduras to the Czech Republic, Turkey and Croatia, and England. His dancing skills and karaoke performances are things of legend.Most of all, he was an illustrious friend. The first to show up in his truck to move a piano. The first to offer a shoulder to cry on or a stern word of encouragement to whip you into shape. He got to employ his incredible talents as an instructor at the Art Academy woodshop for six years, helping students design and achieve their dreams, while continuing to hone his own incredible woodworking skills. More recently, he was working as a production artist, and yucking it up with his new work family at LF Creative Group, in Madeira.JK is survived by his loving wife Carrie; his dad and mom, James Knox (Christine) Smith III; brothers Cody Smith, Josh Smith, Johnny Vasquez and Marc Mullen; best friend and sister-in-law, Katie (Joe) Klug; best friend Nick Galinari; brother-in-law Zach (Krista) Whitaker; in-laws Kathy (Ron) Foley and Bill (Sue) Whitaker; his beloved niece Georgia Mae and many, many friends and extended relatives. He was preceded in death by his mother, Rita (Maliszewski) Smith. Memorial contributions in JK's name can be made in person or by mail to The JK Smith Memorial Fund at Fifth Third Bank.Per JK's wishes, a casual potluck Celebration of Life will be held 4-8 p.m. on June 2, 2017, in and around the reception center at Spring Grove Funeral Home (4389 Spring Grove Ave.) at Spring Grove Cemetery. Please consider carpooling and feel free to bring your own chair and a story about JK to share. Online condolences can be left at www.SpringGrove.org.