Obituary: Smith, Tye Jason “T.J.”
Born on April 17th, 1977 to Lynn (Chet) and Jani Kay Smith, he grew up in Walla Walla where he attended College Place Presbyterian Church, Walla Walla Public Schools and graduated from the Wa-Hi in 1996.
After playing ball with his older brothers in the backyard, he fell in love with baseball.
As he grew up he continued to deepen his love for the sport.
He attended Eastern Washington University where he played club baseball and graduated with a BA of Ed in physical education in 2001.
T.J. began his career in education when he became a Junior Varsity baseball coach for Ferris High School.
He was hired by the Medical Lake School District to teach physical education and be the head baseball coach.
During his time with the Medical Lake School District, he taught elementary through high school.
“Mr. Smith” was a kind teacher and loved by students and staff.
In 2002, T.J. married his true love, Jaime Hanlon.
In 2010, they welcomed a beautiful baby boy, Tyler Ray into their lives.
Being a dad to Tyler was T.J.’s greatest joy.
He also had a deep love of the outdoors and sharing this passion with Tyler and Jaime was one of his greatest of pleasures.
He also enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing and rafting with his family and friends.
A tradition the T.J. established was building bonfires at every gathering.
A loving husband, father, son, brother and uncle, T.J. is survived by his wife, Jaime and his son, Tyler; his parents, Lynn (Chet) and Jani Kay Smith of Walla Walla; his two brothers, Todd Smith (Sherrilyn Smith and children Kaden and Kyra) and Travis Smith (Tonia Warren).
T.J. was preceded in death by his grandparents, George and Mildred Smith, Bob and Ruth Underwood, grandfather, Eldon Wyrick and his aunt Loni Gay Wryick-Loftis.
There will be a memorial service at Hennessey Funeral Home, 2203 N. Division on May 11th at 4:00 p.m. A celebration of life in honor of T.J., will be held May 30th at his parent’s home in Walla Walla beginning at 2:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Transplant Assistance Fund in care of Hennessey Funeral Home or online at helphopelive.org.