Legendary animator and musician Jim Smith, recognized for co-creating “The Ren & Stimpy Show” on Nickelodeon, passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 70. The animation veteran died of a heart attack.
Born as James Carl Jobb on October 8, 1954, in Lubbock, Texas, Smith became a key figure in the animation industry over a career that spanned more than 40 years. In 1989, he co-founded the independent animation studio Spümcø with John Kricfalusi, Bob Camp, and Lynne Naylor, creating what would become their most recognized series.
Smith’s animation career began in the early 1980s as a layout and storyboard artist. He worked on several animated series such as “The Real Ghostbusters,” “The Get-Along Gang,” and “Mighty Mouse: The New Adventures,” gaining recognition for his talent and unique art style.
In 1991, Smith and his Spümcø team developed “The Ren & Stimpy Show” for Nickelodeon. This series marked a turning point in television animation due to its distinctive visual style, dark humor, and emotional complexity. Smith contributed as a character designer, layout artist, and storyboard artist, helping to define the show’s signature aesthetic.
In addition to his visual contributions, Smith was a skilled musician. He played guitar on the “Ren & Stimpy” theme song, collaborating with Scott Huml and Chris Reccardi. The instrumental piece, “Dog Pound Hop,” became a notable element of 1990s pop culture.
Smith’s work extended beyond “The Ren & Stimpy Show.” He served as a storyboard artist for 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 remained with Spümcø and continued working on various projects with Kricfalusi. In 2001, they co-created “The Ripping Friends,” another animated series highlighting their unique animation style.
Throughout the 2000s, Smith contributed to multiple animated projects, including “Samurai Jack,” “Ice Age,” “The X’s,” “Tom and Jerry Tales,” and “The Mighty B!” His storyboard work was featured in “Scooby-Doo: Legend of the Phantasaur” and Warner Bros. Animation’s “The Looney Tunes Show.” Later, he worked as a background artist on Cartoon Network’s “Over the Garden Wall” miniseries.
Smith’s influence extended beyond television. In 2005, Asylum Press released two sketchbooks of his work: “Deadly Are The Naked” and “Naked and the Dead.” In 2007, he published “The Chestaclese Sketchbook,” showcasing 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 paid tribute to Smith on social media.
Writer Richard Purcel, who collaborated with Smith on several projects, expressed his sorrow at the loss. He noted that Smith had earned respect as one of the best in the industry during their collaboration on “Tiny Toon Adventures.” Purcel described Smith as a mentor who studied classic film composition and taught life drawing, commending him for his patience and humility despite his exceptional skills.
Smith’s legacy endures through his contributions to animation. His distinct art style, known for detailed drawings and mastery of traditional animation techniques, influenced a generation of animators. The shows he helped create, notably “The Ren & Stimpy Show,” are considered groundbreaking and continue to be celebrated by fans and professionals.
Throughout his career, Smith remained committed to his craft, consistently advancing the field of animation and mentoring emerging artists. His work across studios like Nickelodeon, Warner Bros., Cartoon Network, and CBS left a lasting impact.
