Paul "PJ" Smith

Born in Cedar Rapids, IA
Born on Nov 19, 1988
Departed on Jun 12, 2022

PJ, you will most certainly be missed, my friend. You had always gone out of your way to stop and talk with me, whether it be at the restaurant or out and about, and they were always conversations I walked away better for. I didn't know you well, but I knew by those who you surrounded yourself with that you were one of the good guys, if you will. You've left your mark on me and the entire community. May your next journey be the best one yet. -Mike

Peej- I cant put into words what your friendship meant to me. I will miss your special cookies that you would make on my birthday . I will miss how you would always call out the penalty before the flag was thrown in football. I will miss the way you loved my cat sunny even though you were so allergic to him. I will forever miss you.

Dear Smith Family, PJ was a special young man in my 4th grade class. Loved his smile and energy-he always was a kind & caring classmate & so respectful. God’s blessings always. Mrs. Debbie Symtien

Rich, Joan and family, You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time of loss. With sympathy , Sue Pearson

Kristen and Smith Family, I hope you can spend some time over the next few days planning and supporting each other. It seems we take it for granted that a loved one will be there today and tomorrow, so take the time to plan with each other. It will strengthen the heart for the journey ahead. And maybe take a lesson from the time spent together to continue to make time for each other in meaningful ways. I didn't do that with PJ. He was a former student of mine and while I did not want to lose track of him, I did. I will plant a lily in his honor to symbolize his spirit and to remind me of hope and to encourage me while I grieve with you and others.

Rich, Joan and family, You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time of loss. With sympathy , Sue Pearson

Dear Rich and Joan and family. You will be in our thoughts and prayers in this difficult time of PJ passing. Had some good memories of him especially at Bowman Woods school. May you feel God presence during this time of healing

My thoughts and prayers are with all such a great intelligent man with a huge heart will be greatly missed he impacted so many in his life. RIP PJ

We are deeply saddened to hear of PJs passing, he was such a good friend and we will hold onto the memories he gave us for a lifetime. Sure will miss him. Sending love to his family during this time.

PJ…you were a second son when Ry needed a big brother. You brought a special love, energy, and peace in the midst of figuring out how to be special parents. God gifted us with you, and we will be blessed by your presence in our lives forever. You were and are loved beyond measure. To the Smith family…lifting you all in prayers of strength and comfort.

Rich and Joan, So very sorry for your loss! Just know I continue to pray for peace for PJ and you. Your bible study friend

To the Smith family, I am so sorry for your loss. I met PJ in college where shared the same dorm floor. You should be proud of the caring and fun gift we were all able to experience and I will always remember that smile. I, a long with my family are sending you all our thoughts and prayers. Stay strong together, we are here for you. Love you PJ.

PJ had a heart of gold and a smile that would light up the room. He gave the best hugs and always made you feel heard and loved. We had some great memories going through the athletic training program at Iowa together and our Hawkeye family will miss him greatly. Thankful for the memories and the time we had. Sending love and hugs to the Smith family.

You didn't have to talk to PJ every week or every month to know he'd always be your friend. You'll just pick right back up where you left off with him. He had a huge heart, an entertaining sense of humor, a perspective I truly cherished. Miss you forever, PJ. Rest in Peace.

PJ was a good friend to me. He and I both went to Linn Mar but we became close friends at the University of Iowa. He and I enjoyed laughing together, as only friends with inside jokes understand. He was such a good listener. He never judged. Our calls would last an hour and he would still have so much to tell me. He was very caring. He always reached out to see how I was doing. He was genuine and always supportive. PJ was one of the best people I knew. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. I’m going to miss you, PJ.

Beautiful service... Bless the memories of PJ. May the Lord grant you His peace. Love and prayers.

Smith family, I’m so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you during the difficult time. My heart hurts just thinking about what you are going through. I just think back to when I had spent time with PJ and just recall how he was such a pleasure to be around, how he was always so joyful and how kind and welcoming he was. I’m so glad I had the chance to meet him, and go sky diving with him, I hope you can find peace in the memories and knowing he had a positive impact on those he met.

Rich and Joan~ we are so sorry for the grief and heartache your family is experiencing with your loss. Prayers for comfort and strength as you journey on.