Mr. James L. Smithling, 69, of Oriskany, passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2015 at Albany Medical Center with his loving family by his side. James was born in Utica on May 16, 1945 the son of Ralph and Henrietta (Bailey) Smithling. He was raised in Utica and was a graduate of Utica Free Academy. For 33 years, James was employed with Utica Tect (Utica Corp) retiring in 2010. He was a talented wood worker and was of the catholic faith. Mr. Smithling is survived by his nieces and nephews, Elizabeth Smithling of Oriskany, Michelle Miligy and her husband Sam of FL, Melissa Fazekas and her husband Dave of Verona, Alan Smithling, of Oriskany and Michael Smithling and Christina of Oriskany; three sisters, Marilyn Corridori and her husband Gene of MA, Mary Randall of Taberg and Karen Zayas and her husband Richard of Utica; three brothers, John Smithling and his wife Darlene of CO, Warren Smithling of Utica and Kenneth Smithling and his wife Ann of NC; three sisters-in-law, Mary Smithling of Oriskany, Lorraine Smithling of Frankfort and Pauline Schnitt of Utica; one brother-in-law, Joseph Schnitt of Oriskany; nieces and nephews, Gail, Mark, Patty, Lori, Stacy, Sandie, Linda, Robert, Rachel, Tammy, Ritchie, Lolita, Anita, Sarah, Casey, Ryan, Mathew, Steven, Mary and Joey; great nieces and nephews, Rocco, Mark, Nancy, Cora, Jenna, Brandon, William, Elliot, Justen, Kayla, Aiden, Michael, and Isabella as well as numerous additional great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers, Allen, Ralph and Harold Smithling. Mr. Smithling's funeral will be held on Wednesday evening, March 25, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica. His burial in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Whitesboro will be held at the convenience of the family. Calling hours for family and friends are Wednesday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. prior to the service.