With an endearing blend of wit and warmth that could light up any room, Brandon J. Smith, affectionately known as BJ, Dad, or Grandpa, embarked on his eternal journey on August 14, 2026. Born in Albia, Iowa, on the last day of 1974, he spent a full 51 years among us, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary with his humor, loyalty, and love.
Brandon was a farmer by profession and by passion. He also did tile terrace work with his dad. For 33 years, he nurtured not just crops but also an enduring work ethic. Whether he was spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, watching football and rooting for the Green Bay Packers, cooking, boating, or watching Taylor Sheridan’s shows, his hobbies were as full of life as he was.
A testament to his loving nature was his devotion to his family, particularly his four sons—Colby, Chance, Caydon, and Cayson. Brandon’s proudest achievement was raising them and finally accomplishing the impossible: getting all four boys through high school! His boys, grandson, his devoted life partner, Jodi Collier, her daughter, Anaya, and the rest of his family were his entire life. He also shared a special bond with the mother of his children, Amanda, and his daughter-in-law, Angelina.
He is survived by his four sons, Colby, Chance, Caydon, and Cayson; daughter-in-law, Angelina; grandson, Rowen; devoted life partner, Jodi Collier; her daughter, Anaya; parents, Jim and Lana Smith; sister, Holly (Doug) Schreck; nephews Luke (Mackenzie) Hartnett, Cole Hartnett; mother of his children, Amanda; several aunts, uncles, cousins; and his best friend and companion, Rowdy. He was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Mildred Smith and Betty Lou McDanolds; grandfathers, John McDanolds and Merle Smith; uncle, Jay Smith; and cousin, Heather Wright.
Brandon’s love for life was as contagious as his laughter. His ability to turn strangers into friends was evidence of his welcoming and forgiving nature. He was the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back—and a joke to go with it.
As we remember Brandon, let’s not forget his spirit of laughter, his love for life, and his newfound faith. His physical presence may no longer be with us, but his memories continue to warm our hearts. We invite you to share your memories, stories, and photos of Brandon on his memorial page. Let’s celebrate his life by remembering the joy and laughter he brought into ours.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family of Brandon Smith in care of Holly Schreck.
Please join us to celebrate the life of Brandon Smith on Thursday, August 20 from 5-8 PM at Sinnott Funeral Home in Albia.
A private family burial will take place at Hillcrest Cemetery in Moravia.
