Celebrating the life of
James P. Smith, Jr.
May 14, 1919 - November 18, 2006
James P. Smith, Jr.
Savannah, GA- James P. Smith, Jr., age 87, died Saturday, November 18, 2006, at St. Joseph's Hospital. The native Savannahian was a 1936 graduate of Benedictine Military School and graduated in 1940 with a Bachelor of Science Industrial Management from Georgia Tech.
In 1941 he entered the Army Air Force, retiring from the United States Air Force as a Lt. Col. in 1966 after twenty-five years of service.
He and his wife of fifty-four years, Boston native Claire Marie Dunn, lived for many years in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Salvation Army in Springfield, MA and was a former member of Longmeadow Country Club as well as The Brookline Country Club in Boston. In 1988 they returned to Savannah settling at The Landing on Skidaway Island. He was a member of the Landings Club.
Surviving are his wife, Claire M. Smith of Savannah; his son, Stephen G. Smith and his wife, Kristen, of Ponte Vedra, FL; his daughter, Judi Threlfall and her husband, John, of Longmeadow, MA; and four granddaughters, Kimberly and Kelli Threlfall and Stefanie and Nichole Smith.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
Interment will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.
The family suggests that remembrances be made to Benedictine Military School, 6502 Seawright Dr., Savannah, GA 31406 or The Village Library, 1 Skidaway Village, Savannah, GA 31411.
Dear Smith Family, It is with such sadness that we learned of the passing of Colonel Smith. When we think of him, we remember a true Southern Gentleman with great humility and compassion. He and Claire opened their lovely home and demonstrated such genuine hospitality to everyone that entered. Having represented his Country in good times and bad, it is sad to hear of the loss of a man who represented the friendship, kindness and decency that define the true character of the face of America. He will be truly missed. Our prayers are with you at this time. Respectfully, Jack and Marilyn Robare
- Marilyn & Jack Robare, Longmeadow, MA
In the short time I knew Mr. Smith, I saw a very proud, resourceful and commanding person. He truly cherished his family and his wonderful wife. He brought up two great kids, Judi and Steve. I am so sorry for their loss.
- Shelley Cotton, Longmeadow, MA
Claire,Steve,and Judi,Col. always made you feel welcome.Had a quite genuine warmth about him.He accomplished so many interesting things you don't see today.What I remember too:,ROTC,HickoryFarms,BU Tennis,Smith&Renolds,Little League Baseball.Nice memories of his southern hospitality I'd always tout at my home. Our Sympathys, David&Diane Frank
- David Frank, Longmeadow 01106, MA
Dear Smith Family, It is with such sadness that we learned of the passing of Colonel Smith. When we think of him, we remember a true Southern Gentleman with great humility and compassion. He and Claire opened their lovely home and demonstrated such genuine hospitality to everyone that entered. Having represented his Country in good times and bad, it is sad to hear of the loss of a man who represented the friendship, kindness and decency that define the true character of the face of America. He will be truly missed. Our prayers are with you at this time. Respectfully, Jack and Marilyn Robare
- Marilyn & Jack Robare, Longmeadow, MA
In the short time I knew Mr. Smith, I saw a very proud, resourceful and commanding person. He truly cherished his family and his wonderful wife. He brought up two great kids, Judi and Steve. I am so sorry for their loss.
- Shelley Cotton, Longmeadow, MA
Claire,Steve,and Judi,Col. always made you feel welcome.Had a quite genuine warmth about him.He accomplished so many interesting things you don't see today.What I remember too:,ROTC,HickoryFarms,BU Tennis,Smith&Renolds,Little League Baseball.Nice memories of his southern hospitality I'd always tout at my home. Our Sympathys, David&Diane Frank
- David Frank, Longmeadow 01106, MA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
