James Franklin Smith, 90, originally from Hampton, VA, passed away Thursday, February 15, 2024. Jim is survived by his three children from his previous marriage to Jeanne Trego and their spouses: Patrick (Kim), Karen (Josh) Kurten, and Brendan (Elisia), and numerous grandchildren. He is predeceased by his loving wife Cathy Smith (née O'Boyle), his siblings Walt, Georgiann Wetherald (née Smith), and Harry, and his parents Jack and Ruth (née Robinson) Smith.
Jim was a kind and generous person. He was known for his steady strength, sense of humor, and devotion to his family. After a period of illness, Jim passed away peacefully at his home in Punxsutawney, PA. He was a proud graduate of DeMatha Catholic High School (1952). Jim was a U.S. Air Force veteran who served during the Korean War and was stationed in Greenland. He attended the University of Maryland, College Park. Following his undergraduate studies, he worked as a C.P.A. for Price, Waterhouse & Co in Manhattan, New York. After joining the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in Washington, D.C., Jim returned to Maryland, later raising his family near his childhood home in Colmar Manor. In the mid-1970s, he worked for his brother Harry’s company, AlarmSmith, Inc. Jim returned to federal service, eventually retiring from his position in the U.S. Department of Energy.
Jim moved to the Gulf Coast of Florida, living near his brothers before returning to the Mid-Atlantic. Jim was an avid golfer who also enjoyed bowling, softball, and playing poker. In his retirement, he loved watching and playing golf, finding yard sales, and fixing things around the house.
A private family funeral service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the scholarship fund at his alma mater, DeMatha Catholic High School, or the American Kidney Fund.
Jim was a kind and generous person. He was known for his steady strength, sense of humor, and devotion to his family. After a period of illness, Jim passed away peacefully at his home in Punxsutawney, PA. He was a proud graduate of DeMatha Catholic High School (1952). Jim was a U.S. Air Force veteran who served during the Korean War and was stationed in Greenland. He attended the University of Maryland, College Park. Following his undergraduate studies, he worked as a C.P.A. for Price, Waterhouse & Co in Manhattan, New York. After joining the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in Washington, D.C., Jim returned to Maryland, later raising his family near his childhood home in Colmar Manor. In the mid-1970s, he worked for his brother Harry’s company, AlarmSmith, Inc. Jim returned to federal service, eventually retiring from his position in the U.S. Department of Energy.
Jim moved to the Gulf Coast of Florida, living near his brothers before returning to the Mid-Atlantic. Jim was an avid golfer who also enjoyed bowling, softball, and playing poker. In his retirement, he loved watching and playing golf, finding yard sales, and fixing things around the house.
A private family funeral service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the scholarship fund at his alma mater, DeMatha Catholic High School, or the American Kidney Fund.
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Gallery
Jim at the beach on Manasota Key, Florida.
Jim and his daughter Karen
Jim with his sons, Patrick and Brendan
Jim in February 1955
The Smith brothers and cousin Mickey at Walt's home in Venice, Florida.
