It is with the deepest sympathies and regrets that we announce the passing of Jim “Smitty” Smitherman, Jr. who passed away on August 19, 2017. He was 76 years old.

Jim Smitherman began working with Civiltec as an independent contractor in 1999 after retiring from the City of Arcadia. With Jim’s vast experience and background in the construction industry, he was the perfect candidate to join the team as a resident inspector. His first project with Civiltec was the inspection of the City of Brea’s Westside Reservoir, a 15-million-gallon steel tank. Once complete, he then inspected the City’s 10-million-gallon Eastside Reservoir.

Jim had over 45 years of experience in construction management and inspection, and was a Certified Inspector with certifications in welding and concrete. He had vast experience with construction of cathodic protection systems and steel tank coatings. His expertise included inspection of water system improvements, such as several distribution and steel transmission pipeline projects for the California Domestic Water Company (from 12-inch distribution pipes to 54-inch transmission mains) and the Covina Irrigating Company (totaling about 3,500 feet of 42-inch transmission pipeline in existing streets). Jim provided inspection services for the cities of Glendora, La Verne, and Covina; as well as La Habra Heights County Water District and California Domestic Water Company.

Jim was always willing to teach and help others. He pushed his fellow employees to their full potential and capabilities. He would spend time in the office talking to Civiltec staff about construction techniques, constructability, and value engineering. Our team benefitted from hearing his technical advice, listening to great stories from his career, and learning about his life outside of work. When speaking to Jim, it was obvious how much he loved his wife Linda and his family, especially his children and grandchildren.

Jim is, and will always be, a cornerstone of Civiltec’s foundation. We will miss his input on our engineering and construction efforts, his laughter, and the random pranks no one ever saw coming.

Rest in peace, Jim.