James Francis Smith

James Francis Joseph Patrick Smith was born November 26, 1933, in Philadelphia PA to James Aloysius Francis Smith and Marie Meehan Smith. He left us unexpectedly April 15 2020 related to a sudden onset of Gastro-Intestinal Bleed.

Jim is survived by his son Joe smith and his wife Debbie; his daughter Mary Eileen and her husband Tom Barr; and his grandsons TJ, Jack and Charlie Barr. In addition, Jim leaves his siblings Frank Smith and Marie Palmer, his Brother-in-Law Gordon Jahn, numerous nieces and nephews, and a plethora of friends.  Jim was predeceased by his parents, his beloved wife of 59 years Betty, and his sister Anne Jahn.

Jim’s formative years in the Depression and WWII were surrounded by a loving boisterous extended family, with many a Pinochle game extending into the wee hours followed by bacon and eggs. He may not have even known he was poor except that the family relied on his wages as a Western Union Telegraph delivery boy. When the telegraph was from the War Department, he knew to get a neighbor to deliver it with him so the widow did not receive the news alone.

Neither of Jim’s parents attended high school, so he took great pride in his college degree from LaSalle University and later his MBA from Pacific Lutheran University, as well as passing all four parts of the CPA exam on the first sitting. The bulk of his working career was with Weyerhaeuser, where he rose to the position of Controller for the Paperboard Division. After he retired this Division was sold for $ xxxxxx

After a brief stint as a Financial Planner, Jim followed his true passion and became an author. He penned xxx books in total, beginning with a Guide to Financial Planning and ending with his pride and joy, a novel in which Sherlock Holes investigates the John F. Kennedy Assassination. In between, he chronicled the history of the Irish, beginning with the ancient Romans and Druids and including the contributions of the Irish in every American War. Many of his anecdotes from his days at Incarnation and North Catholic High School in Philadelphia made their way into print.

Jim was a generous man. He was generous with his time, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, Paint Tacoma, Kiwanis, St. Charles Food Bank, Bellarmine Prep Board of Directors, and Catholic Charites, among others. He was generous with his money, funding an Endowment at Bellarmine, buying Pizza or Ice Cream for his kids’ cross-Country teams, raising his paddle during any auction Fund-a-Need, and sending monthly checks to many a charity. In his personal prayer life and his outward example, Jim exemplified what it meant to be a Christian.

Primarily, Jim was a family man. His love for Betty was unwavering. He showed steadfast support for his children, attending every Cross-Country meet and musical performance and offering many a counseling session well into the night. Jim’s love for his grandchildren knew no bounds! They could do no wrong!

We miss Jim immensely but we take comfort in the fact that his death was quick and relatively painless and that he is reunited with the love of his life Betty and lives in the presence of his beloved Lord.

Due to the Covid 19 crisis, we will postpone any services until it is safe to hug each other, raise a glass to Jim, and share a story. Thank you for your prayers and support.

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