Danvers - James Edward Smerczynski, age 90, passed away peacefully at the Kaplan House after a five-month intense battle with multiple, chronic conditions, each of which surfaced 5 years ago. At St. Mary's he starred in football and basketball leading to his induction into the St. Mary's Athletic Hall of Fame. This experience covered Peabody West Little League, Peabody Babe Ruth, Peabody Senior Babe Ruth, Topsfield Babe Ruth, Northshore Baseball League, CYO Girl's Basketball, Peabody Women's Softball and Peabody Midget Football. The Babe Ruth involvement led to him becoming one of the three State Babe Ruth Commissioners, a post he held for 40 years. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St. Peabody.