Jim Edwards Smulyan 

Jim Edwards Smulyan, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Jim was born on August 15, 1953, the son of Samuel and Natalie (Stolkin) Smulyan. Jim grew up in Indianapolis and attended Park Tudor and North Central High Schools and attended Indiana University where he developed a lifelong love for all things IU.

Jim worked at WNTS Radio in Indianapolis and was a sportscaster for WRTV, Channel 6 for several years before he left for California to pursue a career in comedy and comedy writing.

Jim wrote a number of scripts and material for other comics and appeared at various comedy clubs. He appeared on a number of TV shows, most notably the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Jim also appeared with Jay Leno for a number of years at the Comedy Magic Club in Hermosa Beach. In fact, the club, along with its owner, Mike Lacey, became a second family for Jim over the years.

Jim’s incredible and legendary sense of humor was matched by his passion for all dogs, especially his beloved Jason and “Big Al.” In his later years, Jim loved walking dogs and it’s doubtful there was ever a dog who didn’t love him.

Despite his long battle with cancer, Jim kept up his passion for family, friends, politics and his favorite sports teams. We hope he gets to watch IU’s National Championship game from a very special vantage point.

Celebrations of Life in both Indianapolis and Los Angeles will be announced in the near future, where friends and family will be able to honor Jim’s life, with everyone able to tell their favorite Jimmy stories. Contributions can be made in Jim’s memory to ASPCA, St.Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, UNICEF USA or the American Cancer Society.

Jim, we loved you, we will miss you and we will never forget you.