Celebrating the life of
James Franklin Smith
April 15, 1948 - August 06, 2015
Savannah – Mr. James Franklin Smith, 67, died peacefully Thursday at St Joseph’s Hospital following a long illness, surrounded by his loving wife of 44 years, his daughter and his son. Mr. Smith was born April 15, 1948 in Savannah, Georgia and was a lifelong resident of thunderbolt. He served his country by joining the United States Navy in 1967, serving aboard the aircraft carriers USS Bon Homme Richard (CV31) and the USS Ranger (CV61), and served during the Vietnam War.
After his service in the US Navy, Mr. Smith retired from the Savannah Fire and Emergency Services after 33 years of dedicated service. He was also a member of the Thunderbolt Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. Smith was a 35 year member of the George K. Gannam Post 184 American Legion and served as Commander of that Post from 1994 to 1995 and from 2002 to 2003. He was also a member of the Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux (40 & 8). He was also a member of the VFW and the American Legion Post 184 Color Guard.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawton A. Smith and Marjorie H. Smith, as well as a brother, William A. Smith, Sr. Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, Janet Etheredge Smith, a daughter, Julie Elaine Hagan (Daniel), a son, James Franklin Smith, II (Candace), grandchildren, Matthew, Joshua and Madison Hagan, and Parker and Brooklynn Smith. He is also survived by brothers Carlos Smith and Michael G. Smith (Electra) and a sister, Virginia Dixon (Maurice), several nieces and nephews and many beloved friends.
Pall Bearers: Buddy Gallaher, Barron Mock, Billy Heitmann, Chris Cuza, Joe McKenna and Jeff Goldman. Honorary Pall Bearers: Members of Savannah Fire and Emergency Services and The Thunderbolt Fire Department.
Sorry t hear of Jimmys passing He will be missed. My prayers are with the family
- Evelyn B Carter, Savannah, Ga
We are so sorry for your loss. Jimmy was such a great guy and We are sure he will be missed by so many.
- Bob and Carol Letcher, Savannah, Ga
Prayers of peace to Janet and the children, grandchildren, sister, & brothers. Jimmy was my cousin . He was a fine Southern Gentleman. I will miss him. I will always cherish the wonderful memories of us growing up together , 17 cousins playing Red Rover, & hide & seek while our parents played cards almost every single weekend. SSS Strong. (Sturgess Smith Shinall) I know Aunt Margie , Uncle Lawton, Alva as well as all that greeted him in heaven are rejoicing~
- Frances Sturgess Johns, Savannah , GA
Praying for comfort for all of you as you say goodbye to such a special soul. God bless your family.
- Todd, Erin, Caleb and Grant DuPree, Columbia, SC
We were so sorry to hear of Jimmy's passing. Our hearts go out to you and your family. Faye and Joe Markwalter
- Joe and Faye Markwalter, Savannah, Ga
May god's blessing be with Jimmy Smith family always give them peace and understanding Jimmy will be sadly missed I salute you Jimmy Smith may you rest in peace loved you like a brother. Johnny and Susan Mckenzie.
- Johnny and Susan Mckenzie , metter , ga
Michael, Kim, and all family and close friends of Jimmy's, I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for peace and comfort in the days ahead.
- Marie James Banderas, Pooler, GA
One great person who loved Thunderbolt
- John and Lou Lammons, Savannah, Ga
Janet, Julie and Jimmy Vicki just told me that he had passed. I am so sorry for your loss. I will remember how kind both of your parents were to Vicki. My prayers are with each of you. E
- Bonnie Newman (Vicki Newman Lincoln-mother), Savannah, GA
I remember Jimmy as a very good firefighter.Very loyal and dependable. We pray for Blessing for the family.
- Joseph Hobby, Savannah, , Ga.
I can't seem to remember just when I met Jimmy. Way back in the Thunderbolt Elementary school days, I think. I never got a chance to know him well until I joined the fire dept. Jimmy had been there for years by then and was a great help to me just starting out. A good man who will be sorely missed. RIP, my Brother..
- Ralph Tarver, Pensacola, FL
Dave and I are so very sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you, Janet, and all of your family. jimmy was and always will be, one in a million. I am at a loss for words...I will miss seeing him wheeling around Post 184 and beeping that damn horn to get my attention! I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to have known him and will always be proud to call him my friend. Rest well, Jimmy, you will live on, always, in our hearts.
- Mikki Lewis and Dave Lewis, Savannah, GA
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart
- Nell & Bob Van Oostrom, Savannah, Ga
My heart breaks with several emotions. To each and every person on my Smith Family side, my deepest sympathy. I am praying for all. I am honored to say he was and will always be my cousin, only now he is among the Angels above looking down watching over the ones he loved! My love & prayers... sSs
- JulieAnn Sturgess , Savannah , Ga
Janet and family ,the roach was one the best firefighters I've ever work with.jimmy and I would get up early and drink coffee together .and on our days off we toasted a few. May you rest in peace.damn good firefighter.
- Robert (suitcase) Simpson , Tybee island , Ga
Janet and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. Know that God has His loving arms around you for comfort and peace.
- Patty Futch, Lawton, OK
Janet and family, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We were neighbors for many years when we lived on Woodlawn. Nancy & Rufus Taylor
- Nancy and Rufus Taylor, Jacksonville, FL
Rest in peace Jim and God be with your family.
- John and Mary Futral, Savannah, , Ga
We are praying for all of the family. Remember the sweet memories and share the good times with others. God bless your family and send sweet peace to you as He has welcomed Jimmy into His heavenly family.
- Floyd, Lynn, Sally Marie Futch, Statesboro, GA
We are so sorry for your loss and we pray for peace and love during this difficult time for your family.
- Julie Joey & Katey Gladin, Pooler, GA
Sorry t hear of Jimmys passing He will be missed. My prayers are with the family
- Evelyn B Carter, Savannah, Ga
We are so sorry for your loss. Jimmy was such a great guy and We are sure he will be missed by so many.
- Bob and Carol Letcher, Savannah, Ga
Prayers of peace to Janet and the children, grandchildren, sister, & brothers. Jimmy was my cousin . He was a fine Southern Gentleman. I will miss him. I will always cherish the wonderful memories of us growing up together , 17 cousins playing Red Rover, & hide & seek while our parents played cards almost every single weekend. SSS Strong. (Sturgess Smith Shinall) I know Aunt Margie , Uncle Lawton, Alva as well as all that greeted him in heaven are rejoicing~
- Frances Sturgess Johns, Savannah , GA
Praying for comfort for all of you as you say goodbye to such a special soul. God bless your family.
- Todd, Erin, Caleb and Grant DuPree, Columbia, SC
We were so sorry to hear of Jimmy's passing. Our hearts go out to you and your family. Faye and Joe Markwalter
- Joe and Faye Markwalter, Savannah, Ga
May god's blessing be with Jimmy Smith family always give them peace and understanding Jimmy will be sadly missed I salute you Jimmy Smith may you rest in peace loved you like a brother. Johnny and Susan Mckenzie.
- Johnny and Susan Mckenzie , metter , ga
Michael, Kim, and all family and close friends of Jimmy's, I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for peace and comfort in the days ahead.
- Marie James Banderas, Pooler, GA
One great person who loved Thunderbolt
- John and Lou Lammons, Savannah, Ga
Janet, Julie and Jimmy Vicki just told me that he had passed. I am so sorry for your loss. I will remember how kind both of your parents were to Vicki. My prayers are with each of you. E
- Bonnie Newman (Vicki Newman Lincoln-mother), Savannah, GA
I remember Jimmy as a very good firefighter.Very loyal and dependable. We pray for Blessing for the family.
- Joseph Hobby, Savannah, , Ga.
I can't seem to remember just when I met Jimmy. Way back in the Thunderbolt Elementary school days, I think. I never got a chance to know him well until I joined the fire dept. Jimmy had been there for years by then and was a great help to me just starting out. A good man who will be sorely missed. RIP, my Brother..
- Ralph Tarver, Pensacola, FL
Dave and I are so very sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you, Janet, and all of your family. jimmy was and always will be, one in a million. I am at a loss for words...I will miss seeing him wheeling around Post 184 and beeping that damn horn to get my attention! I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to have known him and will always be proud to call him my friend. Rest well, Jimmy, you will live on, always, in our hearts.
- Mikki Lewis and Dave Lewis, Savannah, GA
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart
- Nell & Bob Van Oostrom, Savannah, Ga
My heart breaks with several emotions. To each and every person on my Smith Family side, my deepest sympathy. I am praying for all. I am honored to say he was and will always be my cousin, only now he is among the Angels above looking down watching over the ones he loved! My love & prayers... sSs
- JulieAnn Sturgess , Savannah , Ga
Janet and family ,the roach was one the best firefighters I've ever work with.jimmy and I would get up early and drink coffee together .and on our days off we toasted a few. May you rest in peace.damn good firefighter.
- Robert (suitcase) Simpson , Tybee island , Ga
Janet and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. Know that God has His loving arms around you for comfort and peace.
- Patty Futch, Lawton, OK
Janet and family, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We were neighbors for many years when we lived on Woodlawn. Nancy & Rufus Taylor
- Nancy and Rufus Taylor, Jacksonville, FL
Rest in peace Jim and God be with your family.
- John and Mary Futral, Savannah, , Ga
We are praying for all of the family. Remember the sweet memories and share the good times with others. God bless your family and send sweet peace to you as He has welcomed Jimmy into His heavenly family.
- Floyd, Lynn, Sally Marie Futch, Statesboro, GA
We are so sorry for your loss and we pray for peace and love during this difficult time for your family.
- Julie Joey & Katey Gladin, Pooler, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
