James Henry Smith was a zealous Pittsburgh Steelers fan in life, and even death could not keep him from his favorite spot: in a recliner, in front of a TV showing his beloved NFL team in action.
Smith, 55, of Pittsburgh, died of prostate cancer last Thursday. Because his death wasn't unexpected, his family was able to plan for an unusual viewing on Tuesday.
The Samuel Coston Funeral Home erected a small stage in a viewing room, and arranged furniture on it much as it was in Smith's home on NFL game day Sundays.
Smith's body was on the recliner, his feet crossed and a remote in his hand. He wore black and gold silk pajamas, slippers and a robe.
A pack of cigarettes and a beer were at his side, while a high-definition TV played a continuous loop of Steelers highlights.
"I couldn't stop crying after looking at the Steelers blanket in his lap," said his sister, MaryAnn Nails, 58.
"He loved football and nobody did [anything] until the game went off. It was just like he was at home," she said.
Longtime friend Mary Jones called the viewing "a celebration."
"I saw it and I couldn't even cry. People will see him the way he was,'' she said.
Smith's burial plans were more traditional -- he'll be laid to rest in a casket.
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