Jim "Smitty" Smith

In 2022, TEACH Outdoors lost its leader, James "Smitty" Smith. While we mourn the loss of our friend, we would also like to honor his outstanding commitment to TEACH Outdoors. Smitty has been the president of TEACH since 2016. This organization would not have grown so large without Smitty's heart and leadership. Smitty was the person who was always there no matter what. He would give the shirt off of his back for anyone. He made everyone feel welcome and like they were his best friend. Over the years, Smitty has won numerous awards for his work with TEACH Outdoors. Smitty had written a short biography on himself for the Fallin Feathers website, and it sums him up perfectly "My name is Jim Smith but prefer the nickname "Smitty". I am 55 years old, a proud husband, father and grandfather. I live in northern Illinois where I enjoy hunting the Mississippi Flyway for Canada Geese and ducks in dry corn fields. I have been a waterfowl hunter since the age of 12. Growing up in Southern Illinois I had the great opportunity to learn how to waterfowl hunt with my father in the glory years of Rend Lake. I was taught conservation and the responsibility of the hunter at a very early age which continues with my hunting morals today. I am currently the President and Quad Founder of a not-for-profit public charity youth organization called T.E.A.C.H. Outdoors. I am an IDNR Master Hunter Safety Course Instructor, NRA Range Safety Instructor as well as an IDNR Wing Shooting Instructor. I am also proud to be Pro Staff for Buck Gardner Game Calls." Even though Smitty is gone, we will continue to honor his memory by getting kids outside with TEACH Outdoors.