Jamey Smythe

It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart to announce the passing of Jamey Smythe, age 66 of Maynard, MA on December 23, 2019 at Massachusetts General Hospital from cardiac surgery complications.

Jamey was born in Methuen MA, the oldest of five children.

Jamey was known to all as a kindhearted, feisty, outspoken, enthusiastic, generous, and loyal friend and devoted to the family he created for himself. He embodied a profound love for the arts, African drum and dancing, meditation, travel and politics. Jamey relished having energetic conversations about politics, and his friends often described him as having "his life experiences flavored with dry humor and hippie like undertones." He was well read and he inspired and influenced many people of all ages. He was a gifted storyteller.

Professionally Jamey was a longtime General Contractor at Jamey Smythe Services in Boston and the surrounding areas.

Jamey was certified in Core Movement Integration, a functional, self-care, movement-based therapy, and assisted teaching from time to time.

Jamey was often found at poetry nights at the Squawk Coffee House in Cambridge MA, where he met long time friends: poet and writer Richard; Jessa, historical character actor; Lee Kidd, poet and foreign language teacher, from whom he learned Japanese, French, and Italian; Mick, animation film maker; Reggie, poet and performing artist; poet and actor Ryk; bard and storyteller Brother Blue, just to name a few.
Jamey was a member of the theatre troupe, PRESENTE! which brought to light political prisoners in the U.S.

Jamey embraced African Culture. He studied with Ibrahima Camara, master drummer from Senegal, and participated in Drum and Dance classes in Central Square. He traveled to Senegal, West Africa, six times, and always found with each experience, he brought back some inspiration with him. When Jamey's drum troop The Midnight Drummers would perform at the coffee houses folks couldn't help but get up out of their chairs and dance!

He found peace in his meditation practices and encouraged others to "think outside the box" in self-expression and exploration. He had a lifelong love for people, be it a close friend or a complete stranger; he had a natural ability to strike up a conversation wherever he went.

Jamey, otherwise known as, "Grampy Jamey" cherished attending his "grandchildren's" theater, music and sporting events. With his French beret, his comfy lawn chair, and his dog Leo by his side, he found great pride in being a "grandfather".

Jamey is survived by his partner Deborah Hledik of 25 years, her son Robert, and his daughter Nadia and her husband Craig. "Grampy" Jamey is also survived by three grandchildren, Taylor, Ryan, and Owen, and his dog, Leo.

Jamey will be sorely missed, but warmly remembered with love and a bit of dry humor.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to More Than Words, 56 Felton Street, Waltham, MA 02453 (https://mtwyouth.org/) A non-profit organization that helps teens at risk, to a brighter future.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 3, 2020, at the Pierce House, in Lincoln, MA 01773, 10:30 -2:00pm