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James Smith Obituary
Army Maj. Gen. James Clifton Smith (Ret.) had a chest full of medals from his combat duty in three wars.
But in a 39-year military career, he was most proud of what he did to improve the safety of the troops: making training in instrument-flying standard for military pilots, advocating for night-vision goggles for fliers, and helping to develop the modern-day drone, a family member said.
"He was very pragmatic," said R.J. Parsons, Smith's nephew by marriage. "He could see the advantage of these types of things and what it meant to the airmen."
Gen. James "Jim" Smith, a highly decorated veteran of three wars and father of seven, died Dec. 14 at his Lawrenceville residence. He was 93.
Gen. Smith is survived by his wife, Doris, seven children, 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Since his death, tributes have flowed in from soldiers who served under his command. A memorial service for Gen. Smith was held Dec. 17 in Snellville.
Read more about Gen. James Smith on ajc.com
Memories and Condolences
for James Smith
30 Entries
John Bibek
November 10, 2019
My sympathy to your family! I believe I was his crew chief at Fort Hood when I returned from Vietnam in 1970! He was the base commander at that time and I will always remember those days as a young aviator and landing in your back yard at Fort Hood! Again, my sympathy to all of you!
January 15, 2019
Gen Smith was my commander in the 1st Cav (Tricap) at Ft Hood in 1971-72. He continually challenged and inspired me to be better. I'm sorry I didn't keep in touch, but I'm glad to know he's with our Lord and I'll see him again!
He actually gave me a General Officer Article 15 (nonjudicial punishment) when my artillery firing battery fired a round out of safety. He meant for it to be a temporary handslap, but the Army changed policies and froze all Art 15's in our efficiency files. GEN Smith made my his Asst G1 (Personnel Officer) and endorsed my Efficiency Report to make it clear that he didn't intend to hurt my career. I was encouraged to stay in the Army in spite of the Art 15 and I did. I managed to retire as a COL in 1997, later returning to the Pentagon after 9/11 to serve as Deputy DoD Inspector General. I'm sure Gen Smith's family misses him and looks forward to seeing him again, as I do. May they be comforted in their loss. I'm now an Estate Planning and Elder Law attorney (and VA-certified Veterans Advocate) in Carlsbad, CA. Hopefully they'll contact me if I can ever be of service to them.
In His grace,
L. Jerry Hansen
Lori Garland
September 25, 2017
my dad Lt Col Keath Maranville (ret) considered Gen Smith a dear friend for a long time. Just learned of Gen Smith's passing and I am so sorry to the family for the loss , but a wonderful hero and honorable soldier to many.
V J Newton
February 23, 2017
So Sorry
RIP sir......God Bless his family ......Thank you for your service to to this country,,
Gary Earls
February 23, 2017
I had the pleasure to fly with General Smith one afternoon when he made a precautionary landing outside Hue, South Vietnam. He took command of my aircraft and we flew back to Camp Eagle.
We met again at the 1998 Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association reunion in Orlando.
He was a great leader and will be missed.
Gary E. Earls
LTC, USA Ret
Leonard G Dempsey
January 18, 2017
Served directly under General Smith with the 101st in Vietnam. His dedication was contagious. His devotion to his country was always evident and foremost. He treated those lucky enough to serve under him with respect.
Gail Dempsey
Spec 5
Phillips
January 6, 2017
We thank Maj General Smith for his service
We thank his family for their support as he served his country
May the God of comfort give family and friends the peace from above
January 3, 2017
We consider it a blessing to have known and fellowshipped with Jim here; and we consider it a joy to know we will celebrate our eternal life together around the throne of our God and Savior. May God bless his family with comfort that meets their grief and joy beyond their sorrow.
Pastor Timothy Kroll
on behalf of the
Northside Baptist Church
St. Petersburg, FL
P. T.
January 1, 2017
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
Gloria and Jerry Brazill
December 28, 2016
Dear Smith Family,
We only met Major General Smith and Mrs. Smith once at his great-grandson, Alex's, 3rd or 4th birthday party in St. Pete, FL. We heard that he was a retired Army general, but had no idea of his accomplishments! WOW! What a legacy he has left to all of you. I especially enjoyed the credit given to Mrs. Smith as an exemplary army wife!
Your family is in our prayers.
May God bless each of you.
Gloria and Jerry Brazill
December 27, 2016
Offering my deepest sympathy to the family. May the peace of God comfort you through this most difficult time.
December 27, 2016
my condolences for your loss.
1 Thess.4:14
BH
December 27, 2016
Sorry for your loss may there be comfort in knowing that god cares for you. 1st peter 5 : 7
December 26, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
December 26, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Caw
December 26, 2016
Offering our deepest condolences to the Smith family and friends in your hour of grief.
Caw
December 26, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with the Smith family and friends in your hour of grief. May you find peace and comfort in word of God.
December 25, 2016
Sorry for your great loss, please take comfort in knowing that "God binds up the brokenhearted and comforts all who mourns". Isaiah 61;1, 2 More
J E
December 25, 2016
My deepest sympathy to the family,May the God of all comfort strengthen you until you see him again in paradise. John 23:43
Mike Reed
December 24, 2016
Although Navy, I've come to read and respect those who can stand and think on there feet and General you were one of those who was respected and I appreciate those I could say I'd follow through the "Gates". Rest in peace Sir and enjoy "Fair Winds and Following SEAS".
Mike Reed, BTCM (SW/CMC)USN Ret.(1961 - 1991)
December 23, 2016
May the beautiful memories of your loved one ease your pain and sorrow.
Peter Corson
December 23, 2016
God bless you Hawk Eye. Your dedication and intelligence saved many of us from certain death and permanent despair.
You will always be remembered as a soldier's soldier.
RIP.
We will never forget you.
December 23, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Donald Price
December 23, 2016
I knew General Smith in the 1980s as we were testing the OH-58D. I had the priviledge to fly him on a demonstration flight, and I enjoyed his knowledgeable comments on tactics and procedures. I saw him many times after that and enjoyed and respected him. He was a great officer and a fine gentleman.
December 23, 2016
Not dead, just "Flying High". A
US Army HERO! Pioneer in Army Aviation.
Proud to have served in the 1st Aviation Bde. in RVN. I also was born at Ft. Ogelthorpe, GA. We share history as"Army Brat".
"Old Soldiers just fade away" soon it will be my turn- See you in formation"Up There".
SFC John P. CARTER USA Ret.
2912 Carey Ct.
Augusta,GA.
It's an honor to salute you General!
David Blouin
December 23, 2016
Gen Jim Smith will always be remembered in our household as a great human being. When my husband was serving in Saudi Arabia Jim called me to assure me he had checked on David and said he was fine. I could not believe he went out of his way to do that. He always greeted us warmly and amazingly remembered that Maine was our home. Our deepest sympathy to his family. We will miss him. Much love and prayers...Dave and Ginny Blouin
Liz Zemke
December 23, 2016
You will be amongst friends and fellow troopers in Fiddler's Green. RIP General Smith. LIz Zemke. Widow of 1/9 VN trooper Phil Zemke
David Sherrard
December 23, 2016
The Army has lost it's best, and the family their father. Jim Smith was truly one of the most innovative leaders I have ever met and worked with.
As commander of the First Cavalry Division during the personnel turbulence at end of the VN war, the transition to the all-volunteer Army and the reduction of "Mickey Mouse" projects. Gen Smith led from the front open to all ideas to aid in these efforts.
Whereas I was far down the food chain in the Division, Gen Smith always had time to talk to me and my troops.
He was one of us.
COL (Ret) David G Sherrard
from tv show tour of duty
Jay Hockenbury
December 23, 2016
It was indeed a pleasure to serve and know General Smith. What a GREAT guy.
Until we meet on Fiddlers Green.
Jay Doc Hock Hockenbury
1/9 Cav medic 1965/1966
December 23, 2016
Condolences for the loss of this great soldier. I was a 2LT in Army flight school in 1984. My name is James Smith. Several of my instructors asked me if I was related to MG James Smith. I'm not, but out of curiosity I researched who he was. I found the career story of this Officer so compelling, that I was proud to be associated with him in some simple mistaken way. I remember my Instrument Instructor, a retired COL and then a contractor, telling me about MG Smith and the experiences he had with him at Ft Rucker and in Vietnam. What an incredible inspiration for a young Officer to get such mentoring thru the description of MG Smiths accomplishments.
Now after 34 years of service and a war experience of my own. I still remember that MG Smith, who had retired before I joined, was the Officer that we young Aviators were mentored to emulate.
Very Respectfully,
COL (ret) Jim Smith
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