James A. Smith
December 2, 1938 - July 2, 2020
"Jim was an amazing presence and a gift to have in our great Pacifica Family. A class act, I absolutely adored Jim's love of direct talk over a glass of red wine, his warm heart, and his cool delivery "of course it was dangerous" of some of his crazy stunts, shooting, rolling, or flying high. Though I came to know Jim as his daughter's friend, I loved how he sometimes made me feel like a co-conspirator. The last time we met, it was just to hang out and shoot the breeze. He lent me a book, saying he couldn't really get to it, but, looking me directly in the eye, said that I'd better return it. Thank you for sharing." - the Abel Family
I searched for pictures, that would depict the many wonderful memories that we had with Jim and Dot. I write this with tears in my eyes, as I recollect the years of Jaycees, hunting, raising children, and friendship. Although, it is said, that pictures will capture 100 years, it seems as though non of them fully described the campfire dinners, around which the days hunting experiences were re-told; water-skiing on Clear Lake, followed with a barbeque; as well as Mizpah Fellowship rummage sales, Jaycee and Jaycette activities. There are many stories to tell, but the one most memorable is the dinner of white-billed ducks, Coots or mud hens. Rich and Jim had gone duck hunting and all they saw that day were Mud-Hens. Since that evening's dinner was planned around the day's catch, and the sauce had been simmering all day, they decided that they could call them "white-billed ducks" and bring them home for dinner. The name Mud Hen, fully describes the taste of the meat that floated on the sauce! Dinner ended up to be salad and wine. We now know why no one ever brings them home for dinner. Rest in peace dear friends. -Joan McLain
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I remember Jim as a very welcoming person, I am very grateful for all the moments and dinners he shared with me. I always remember him as a calm, patience and lovely person, he made a beautiful family and transmits through them his love, and his excellent quality of person he was.
​Ana Paola Montiel
Jim was a truly great person full of love, grace, class, wisdom, and understanding. He welcomed me to the family as much as Heather, Tom, and kids Did. It was a real pleasure to know him and be around him. He was always kind, calm knew what to say at every occasion. Unfortunately, I did not spend that much with Jim but every Holiday that he invited me over for, and on every occasion, we met I knew that he is the Man of the principal with strong character and loving heart. His love for people was pure and beautiful. You could always see that his family was the most valuable part of his life and I am sure he passed all those values to his children and grandchildren. I remember how Jim would pick up boys for Karate class on Wednesday - he would always be precisely on time and waited patiently as long as everyone needed. It is his deep love, understanding, and patience in life that created those beautiful memories of him. Jim always have a special place in my heart, and as I am saddened with tears in my eyes, writing this message, I am also realizing how every person in life gives you something that has a bigger value than any material object, it is the love and wisdom that people give and Jim mastered this skill. The skill of sharing, loving, and carrying that I am sure he would love everyone to pass to others. Dear Jim, you will be missed here but I am sure that wherever you are you will continue looking after your family and friends. You are one of a kind man, and I am extremely grateful that I had a chance to meet you. Rest in peace Jim.
-Michal Grommunt
What a beautiful tribute to a Jim. I only knew him a short time as he visited Pat at Dominican Oaks. We usually all shared dinner together. He was a very quiet gentleman, and I enjoyed getting to know him. -Dorothy Van Zanten
I had the privilege of knowing the Smith family because I taught Colin and Heather in the Alternative School (as it was called then) in Pacifica. Jim never lost that gentle North Carolina lilt in his speech, nor his Southern charm or his being a Southern gentleman - kind, courteous, friendly, but steely. He was a great supporter of education and was keenly interested in his children's progress in school. I was honored to have meals with the family and enjoyed the stories we shared. The world truly needs more men like him, and it a loss to the world that he is gone from us. -Steve Johnson
Jim was an upright and honest man, a loyal friend and neighbor. His opinions were listened to and valued. I remember a loving husband, a good and patient father, a special and wry sense of humor, a Southern gentleman. Jim and Dot introduced me to delightful dining of rabbit, squirrel, venison and even trying barbecued rattlesnake at the Deer Club. Ah the Deer Club our family shared with the Smiths and maybe eight other families, Such beautiful locations and such wonderful memories. Jim was a constant and dependable presence, a quiet man and thoughtful man with definite ideas and opinions expressed in his own inimitable way. Bob and I loved and respected Jim as our neighbor, hunting partner and friend. He will be greatly missed but his memory continues on through his family and his many friends. I’m sure Jim is sharing hunting stories with all those Deer Club members that were waiting for him in heaven. -Anne Schaefer
