Christopher “CJ” Jay Smith Jr., 30

Christopher “CJ” Jay Smith Jr., 30, of Columbia Falls, passed away Saturday, June 16, 2012, from a lengthy battle with brain cancer, surrounded by his loving family.

CJ was born on July 7, 1981, to Christopher and Debbie Smith in Warden, Wash. Being the oldest boy, he was always causing trouble and havoc around the house.

In 2001, Chris met Christina Marie Hamilton and her son Jonathan. Finally, on July 18, 2005, they made their family official. 2005 was a good year for Chris as he got his GED and started working towards getting his electrical apprenticeship. He also started helping his dad get Monster Electric Inc., off the ground.

As the years went by, CJ advanced in school, graduating from Flathead Valley Community College in 2009, and even started teaching his youngest brother Doug the electrical ropes.

In September 2010, Chris was diagnosed with a grade 3 anaplastic astrocytoma located directly in the middle of his brain. He underwent surgery to install a shunt and started radiation and chemotherapy soon afterward. Chris never let the tumor get the best of him and up until the very end, was always shooting dirty looks, cheesy grins, or playful taunts in anyone’s direction.

Chris was a wonderful husband, father, son, uncle and brother who will deeply be missed.

He is survived by his wife Christina Marie Hamilton-Smith, and son Jonathan and father-in-law Jordan Kittleson, of Columbia Falls; parents, Chris and Debbie Smith, of Kalispell; sisters, Shonna and Walter Grinn of Belgrade, Tennya Framness of Indiana, and Christina May Smith of Kalispell; and brothers, Denis and Brandi Smith, and Douglas and Sarah Smith, of Kalispell. He is also survived by nieces, Kyrsten Framness, and Amber and Autumn Hughes; nephews, Joseph and Kit Smith, and Josiah and Kyler Smith; and numerous other relatives.

Chris was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Denise Hamilton; and an uncle, Denis Smith.

The family would like to let friends know that we are planning a celebration of life/birthday party for Chris on July 7 which would have been his 31st birthday, at Woodland Park, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Look for balloons to direct you to the correct gazebo). We ask that you wear something purple, as it was his favorite color; and if you can help out in any way, please call Christina at 406-270-0602 or 406-892-0691.

Any condolences can be sent to Christina and Jonathan Hamilton-Smith and family, 962 Jensen Road, Columbia Falls, MT 59912.

Columbia Falls Mortuary is handling all the arrangements and caring for the family.

You are invited to go to www.columbiamortuary.com to offer condolences and view CJ’s tribute wall.