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James Smith Jr., known from the show “Ax Men,” has kept a low profile since the passing of his father, Jimmy Smith, in 2012. Previously, they jointly ran S&S Aqua Logging, an underwater logging company. Despite facing legal issues for illegally salvaging sunken logs, James Jr. continued his work in the industry post the show. He founded Smith’s Logging in New York, where he leads a dedicated team and implements innovative techniques to balance productivity and environmental impact. Although he’s not currently in the media spotlight, his reputation as a respected logger remains intact. His father’s legacy on “Ax Men” occasionally brings him mentions in the media.
In the world of reality television, there are many characters that captivate audiences with their unique stories and adventures. One such character is James Smith Jr, who gained fame as a logger on the popular show “Ax Men.” However, his journey has been far from smooth, and there have been several twists and turns in his life since his time on the show. In this article, we will delve into the story of James Smith Jr, exploring his rise to fame, the controversies he faced, and where he is now.
Early Success on “Ax Men”
James Smith Jr, often known as Jimmy Smith, first rose to fame as part of the father-son logging team on the History Channel show “Ax Men.” The show, which aired in 2009, followed the lives of several logging crews as they battled the elements and each other to harvest valuable timber. Jimmy and his son James quickly became fan favorites, known for their hard work and dedication to their craft.
Controversies and Legal Troubles
Unfortunately, not everything went smoothly for Jimmy and James Smith Jr during their time on “Ax Men.” In one particular episode, the duo found themselves in hot water with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for illegally salvaging sunken logs from public waters. This activity, known as aqua logging, can cause significant damage to a river’s ecosystem.
The logging company owned by Jimmy and James, S&S Aqua Logging, was accused of pulling logs from the Hoquiam River in violation of the law. The DNR warned them that if they continued this practice, they would face serious consequences. However, the duo was able to sidestep immediate repercussions because they operated on their own private land.
Despite the controversies surrounding them, the show continued to air, and the cast, including James Smith Jr, didn’t let the negativity affect them. In fact, fellow “Ax Men” cast member Jay Browning even came to the show’s defense against poor reviews.
Life After “Ax Men”
Since his time on “Ax Men,” James Smith Jr has continued to pursue his passion for logging and has made significant strides in his career. He has focused on developing his skills as a logger and has worked with various logging companies across the country.
In addition to his logging work, James has also established himself as a motivational speaker and personal development coach. With his experiences and knowledge, he aims to help individuals and organizations overcome self-created barriers and reach their full potential.
James Smith Jr’s speaking engagements have taken him to over 25 countries, where he shares his message of positivity, creativity, and the importance of removing obstacles to achieve personal and professional success. He is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) with the National Speakers Association, a testament to his expertise in the field.
His father, Jimmy Smith’s passing
Jimmy Smith, father of James Smith Jr. passed away on November 1, 2012. He was born on May 3, 1956, in Leavenworth, Chelan County, Washington. Jimmy Smith was a retired logger who lived in Washington State. In his later years, he formed S&S Aqua Logging in Florida with his son, James.
Jimmy Smith had been battling cancer for a long period, and he eventually succumbed to the disease. His death was a significant loss to the logging community and the fans of “Ax Men.” The History Channel released a statement expressing their sadness and extending their condolences to Jimmy’s family.
Jimmy Smith was buried at the Mountain View Cemetery in Leavenworth, Chelan County, Washington. His memorial was attended by family, friends, and colleagues on November 17, 2012. Despite his passing, his legacy continues to live on through his son, James Smith Jr., and his contributions to the logging industry.
Conclusion
The story of James Smith Jr, the logger who gained fame on “Ax Men,” is one filled with both triumphs and challenges. Despite facing controversies and legal troubles during his time on the show, James has continued to pursue his passion for logging and has expanded his career to include motivational speaking and personal development coaching.
Today, James Smith Jr is making a positive impact on individuals and organizations worldwide, helping them overcome obstacles and unlock their full potential. His journey serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, determination and a positive mindset can lead to personal and professional growth.
So, the next time you find yourself facing hurdles on your own path, remember the story of James Smith Jr and his journey from “Ax Men” to motivational speaker. Embrace the challenges and let them fuel your drive to reach new heights.
