James J. Smith

SARATOGA SPRINGS - With profound sadness, the family of James J. Smith would like to announce his passing on Wednesday February 20th two months shy of his 85th birthday at the Wesley Health Care Center. As in life, his best friend and son Robert was at his side.

Jim was born in the Bronx to James and Alberta Smith. He was awarded a scholarship to play baseball at All Hollows High School which contributed to his lifelong passion for the game. At the age of 15, he met the one and only love of his life Marylou Gent. Theirs was an old fashioned love, the kind that resulted in 62 years of marriage, indeed, a lifetime. Outside of his military obligation which took him to Europe for two years, and his stay at Wesley, they were simply inseparable.

Jim was known for both his sharp tongue and tremendous sense of humor. Whether occasionally chastising his children or laughing at himself as was his habit, his booming voice could be heard for great distances. In short, he was loud! Some thought that deep voice could have made for a successful career in radio, but that was never a consideration. The NY Telephone Company was Jim's employer of choice, and the company helped support his family for 39 years on the job, and another 27 years in retirement. Because Marylou had the ability to squeeze a dollar out of a quarter, they were able to save enough to retire just prior to his 59th birthday. Upon retirement, Jim and his bride left their Long Island home and settled in Saratoga Springs to begin their Golden Years. Those 27 years included winters in Florida, summers spent fishing with Bob on Saratoga Lake, backyard barbecues, ballgames, bird watching, tending to his fish pond, teasing his granddaughter, loving up several of "man's best friends", and perhaps most importantly, enjoying his much deserved rest and relaxation while imbibing on the occasional Tom Collins. Yes, Jim's was a life well lived.

He leaves behind the empty hearts of his loving family, including wife Marylou; children Susan, Beth, her husband Keith and their heartbroken twelve year old daughter Katie, son Robert and his longtime companion Sharon. Finally, there are no words to express the gratitude our family has for each and every staff member (every one of them an Angel) working on 2 Springs at Wesley. Your love and compassion for Jim during his difficult struggle will never be forgotten, so great our debt to you, it could never be repaid.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday February 25that 10:00AM at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Ballston Spa, with burial to follow at the Gerald G.H. Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a contribution in Jim's name are asked to send them to the Wesley Health Care Center 131 Lawrence St Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.