Jim Smith, a notable figure in the animation and music industries, passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025, at the age of 70. Renowned for co-creating Nickelodeon’s “The Ren & Stimpy Show,” Smith succumbed to a heart attack, according to reports.
Born as James Carl Jobb on October 8, 1954, in Lubbock, Texas, Smith’s career in animation spanned over 40 years. In 1989, he co-founded the animation studio Spümcø with John Kricfalusi, Bob Camp, and Lynne Naylor. The studio later produced their most well-known work, “The Ren & Stimpy Show.”
Smith’s career began in the early 1980s as a layout and storyboard artist, contributing to shows like “The Real Ghostbusters,” “The Get-Along Gang,” and “Mighty Mouse: The New Adventures.” His unique art style quickly gained attention within the animation community.
In 1991, Smith and the Spümcø team launched “The Ren & Stimpy Show” on Nickelodeon. The series was pivotal in transforming television animation with its distinct visual style and humor. Smith’s roles included character designer, layout artist, and storyboard artist, contributing significantly to the show’s unique aesthetics.
Aside from animation, Smith was an accomplished musician, playing guitar on the “Ren & Stimpy” theme song “Dog Pound Hop,” alongside Scott Huml and Chris Reccardi, which became a 1990s cultural staple.
Smith’s work extended beyond his famous creation. He contributed as a storyboard artist to Ralph Bakshi’s “Cool World” (1990), Warner Bros.’ “Tiny Toon Adventures” (1991), and “Batman: The Animated Series” (1992). In the mid-1990s, he was a layout artist for Björk’s “I Miss You” music video, directed by Kricfalusi.
After leaving “The Ren & Stimpy Show” with Kricfalusi in 1992, Smith continued at Spümcø, working on multiple projects. In 2001, they co-created “The Ripping Friends,” further showcasing their animation style.
Throughout the 2000s, Smith worked on several animated projects, including “Samurai Jack,” “Ice Age,” “The X’s,” “Tom and Jerry Tales,” and “The Mighty B!” His storyboard work was also seen in “Scooby-Doo: Legend of the Phantasaur” and “The Looney Tunes Show.” Later, he contributed as a background artist to “Over the Garden Wall” on Cartoon Network.
Smith’s influence extended beyond television. In 2005, Asylum Press published two sketchbooks, “Deadly Are The Naked” and “Naked and the Dead.” In 2007, he released “The Chestaclese Sketchbook,” featuring concept art for an unfinished project. In 2011, he taught cartooning at the Viborg College of Animation in Denmark.
Following his death, colleagues and friends commemorated Smith on social media.
Writer Richard Purcel, who collaborated with Smith on multiple projects, expressed his sorrow. He noted Smith’s reputation as one of the industry’s best during their work on “Tiny Toon Adventures.” Purcel praised Smith as a mentor who taught life drawing and classic film composition, emphasizing his patience and humility.
Smith’s legacy in animation history is marked by his distinct art style and mastery of traditional techniques, influencing a generation of animators. His work on shows like “The Ren & Stimpy Show” is regarded as groundbreaking and continues to be celebrated by fans and industry experts.
Throughout his expansive career, Smith remained dedicated to advancing animation and mentoring emerging artists. His contributions spanned several studios, including Nickelodeon, Warner Bros., Cartoon Network, and CBS, leaving a lasting impact.
