James A. Smeallie

James A. Smeallie, 82, of South Windsor, beloved husband of the late Barbara (Thompson) Smeallie, died peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013, at home, surrounded by his family.

He was born on May 1, 1931, in Amsterdam, N.Y., son of the late Henry Wallace and Gladys (Bishop) Smeallie. James was a graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School in Amsterdam, N.Y., and went on to graduate from Amherst College in 1953. He served our country with the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. A resident of South Windsor since 1963, James was a longtime active member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in South Windsor, where he served as an usher, sang in the choir, served as a vestry member and was on the Memorial Garden Committee. Throughout the years James performed with the Simsbury Light Opera and had served as an usher at the GHO. James worked for Connecticut Mutual, retiring in 1985 after 27 years of service; and subsequently worked as a lobbyist at the Connecticut state capitol for Associated Resources, representing Police Chiefs Association and Physical Therapists. James was an honorable and devoted father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather who will be greatly missed by all.

He leaves his daughters, Anne Olmstead of South Windsor, and Jane Roback, and her husband, David, of South Hadley, Mass.; his sister, Nadia Griffin of New York; two granddaughters, Sarah Goodness, and her husband, Evan, of Cameron Park, Calif., and Kimberly Dunn, and her husband, Brian, of Columbia; and three great-grandchildren, Andrew, Isobella, and James Goodness, who has been granted the honor to carry on the legacy of his great-grandfather's name.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 30, at 11 a.m. at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 109 Sand Hill Road, South Windsor, with a reception to follow. Burial will be private at the request of his family.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Foodshare, 450 Woodland Ave., Bloomfield, CT 06002-1342.

Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home in South Windsor has care of the arrangements.

Please visit us at

www.carmonfuneralhome.com

for online condolences and guestbook.