Jim Smith, a renowned animator and musician recognized for the co-creation of Nickelodeon’s “The Ren & Stimpy Show,” passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025, at the age of 70. The veteran in animation succumbed to a heart attack.
Born as James Carl Jobb on October 8, 1954, in Lubbock, Texas, Smith emerged as a pivotal figure in the animation industry over a career that spanned more than 40 years. In 1989, he co-founded the independent animation studio Spümcø alongside John Kricfalusi, Bob Camp, and Lynne Naylor, where they developed their most acclaimed work.
Smith’s career began in the early 1980s as a layout and storyboard artist, contributing to animated series such as “The Real Ghostbusters,” “The Get-Along Gang,” and “Mighty Mouse: The New Adventures.” His distinctive art style quickly earned him recognition within the animation community.
In 1991, Smith, with his Spümcø partners, launched “The Ren & Stimpy Show” for Nickelodeon, a series noted for its unique visual style, dark humor, and emotional complexity. Smith’s role as a character designer, layout artist, and storyboard artist was instrumental in establishing the show’s distinctive aesthetic.
In addition to his visual artistry, Smith was an accomplished musician. He played guitar on the “Ren & Stimpy” theme song, performing with Scott Huml and Chris Reccardi. The instrumental track, “Dog Pound Hop,” became a memorable part of 1990s culture.
Smith’s contributions extended beyond his most famous creation. He worked as a storyboard artist on Ralph Bakshi’s “Cool World” (1990), Warner Bros.’ “Tiny Toon Adventures” (1991), and “Batman: The Animated Series” (1992). In the mid-1990s, he worked as a layout artist on Björk’s music video “I Miss You,” directed by his collaborator Kricfalusi.
After leaving “The Ren & Stimpy Show” in 1992 with Kricfalusi, Smith continued at Spümcø and co-created “The Ripping Friends” in 2001, showcasing their unique animation style once again.
Throughout the 2000s, Smith contributed to various 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 Warner Bros. Animation’s “The Looney Tunes Show.” Later, he served as a background artist on Cartoon Network’s “Over the Garden Wall” miniseries.
Smith’s artistic reach extended beyond television. In 2005, Asylum Press published two sketchbooks of his art: “Deadly Are The Naked” and “Naked and the Dead.” In 2007, he released “The Chestaclese Sketchbook,” featuring concept art for an unfinished project. He later taught cartooning at the Viborg College of Animation in Denmark in 2011.
Following his passing, colleagues and friends remembered Smith on social media.
Writer Richard Pursel, who collaborated with Smith on several endeavors, shared his sorrow. He noted that Smith was regarded as one of the best in the industry during their collaboration on “Tiny Toon Adventures.” Pursel described Smith as a mentor who studied classic film composition and taught life drawing, acknowledging him as patient and humble despite his profound skills.
Smith’s legacy endures through his significant contributions to animation. His unique art style, characterized by detailed drawings and mastery of traditional techniques, inspired a new generation of animators. The shows he helped develop, particularly “The Ren & Stimpy Show,” are seen as transformative works that reshaped television animation and continue to be celebrated by audiences and professionals.
Throughout his notable career, Smith remained committed to his craft, consistently advancing the animation field and mentoring emerging artists. His work across multiple studios, including Nickelodeon, Warner Bros., Cartoon Network, and CBS, left a lasting impact.