The late James "New York" Smith, a cherished member of the Minneapolis community, passed away unexpectedly on June 5th, 2024, due to health complications. Known for his diverse talents and vibrant personality, James’s death has left his family and friends in deep mourning.
Wes Jennings, a close friend of James for over 40 years, has taken the initiative to organize a GoFundMe campaign to help support James’s burial. Wes mentioned, "For Father’s Day, my Dad asked me to create a GoFundMe for one of his closest friends who passed away last week. They were friends for over 40 years and he doesn’t have any family besides his wife and disabled son, so the money was always tight."
James, affectionately nicknamed "New York" due to his love for the Yankees, had a varied and rich life. In his youth, he pursued a career in professional football until a knee injury cut his dreams short. He was also an avid baseball player and later followed his passion for cooking by attending a local culinary school. Additionally, James was a talented musician, playing in a band called the Mystics and working in PR for the Westside Band. Remarkably, he once babysat the legendary singer Prince.
Despite his many achievements, James’s family faces financial challenges in the wake of his passing. His only son, who is wheelchair-bound, resides in a care facility, and his wife, Miss Jeannie, is struggling to cover the costs of a proper burial. Wes Jennings is seeking to raise $5,000 through the GoFundMe campaign to ensure James is laid to rest with the dignity he deserves.
The community is urged to contribute what they can, and prayers are welcomed to provide strength and comfort to Miss Jeannie during this difficult time. As Wes Jennings expressed, "ANY AMOUNT IS VALUED! We all know it’s tight on everybody’s pockets so only do what you can. Prayers are welcomed to strength and comfort for this hard time for Miss Jeannie. ❤️ THANK YOU GUYS."
Donations can be made through the GoFundMe platform, which guarantees protection for contributions. Wes Jennings also accepts donations via Cashapp and Apple Pay, though he emphasizes the security of the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee for all donations made on the platform.
Note:This post was written and edited by Alexander Mitchell, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.