James Wilson Smith's Obituary
On November 9 at the age of 75, James Wilson Smith of Holly Springs, NC passed peacefully to his eternal life in Heaven. Born to Ann Abernathy and Woodrow Wilson Smith, Jim grew up in Nashville and attended Battle Ground Academy (Class of 1965). He received his Bachelors’ degree from David Lipscomb College and a Master’s in Theology from Wheaton College.
Jim met his wife, Susan Livingston Smith, while a freshman at Rhodes College in Memphis, and they have been married for 55 years. He is survived by Susan, their two children, Geof (Feli) and Shannon Smith, and two grandchildren, Gabi and Daniel Smith, all of whom live in the Raleigh, NC area. He also is survived by his brother, Bob (Jane) Smith of Brentwood, TN and beloved nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and younger sister, Susan.
Jim was ordained in the Southern Methodist Church and worked as an associate pastor in both Southern Methodist and Presbyterian churches. He taught Bible and Greek at Southern Methodist College in Orangeburg, SC. Later he became Executive Director of the Tri-County Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse there before moving to Illinois in 1981. While living in Bloomington, IL, Jim worked as Executive Director of two child welfare agencies. He was known in the area for driving a classic two-seat convertible with his giant Newfoundland dog, Bear, who often accompanied him to work at Salem Children’s Home.
Jim and Susan moved to Raleigh to be near their children and grandchildren, and before retiring Jim worked as the Executive Director of the International Lactation Consultants Association, where he was able to travel widely to places such as Australia and Vienna.
Jim’s hobbies included doting on his dogs (all bassets or newfoundlands), Clemson football, reading, cars, and travel. Some favorite destinations included Scotland, Israel, the Hawaiian Islands, and the Smoky Mountains where Jim and Susan had a vacation home for many years. He had an affinity for bears and traveled to Alaska with his son to photograph grizzlies.
Jim was a friend to many and gave wise counsel. Others were drawn to his outgoing, jovial personality and generous spirit. He was always ready to help out friends or strangers. People remember his booming laugh, teasing nature, fierce determination, and vibrant presence.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 25, at 2 p.m., at Spring Hill Funeral Home in Nashville, Tennessee. Visitation will be prior to the service from 12:30 until 2:00, and interment will follow in Spring Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a Memorial Fund for Global Hunger Relief, which can be accessed at: https://mycause.worldvision.org/campaign/Jim-Smith-Memorial-for-Global-Hunger-Relief
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