James W. Smith

NEW SHARON -- James W. Smith, 84, of New Sharon passed away quietly in the home of his ancestors and the room he was born in early Saturday morning, June 4, 2011.

He was born Jan. 13, 1927, to Frank H. and Lena Abby Works Smith in New Sharon.

He was a lifelong dairy farmer with his brother, Albert, who predeceased him by only four months. He was educated in the schools of New Sharon, graduating in 1944. In August of that same year, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served 14 months at the end of World War II stationed in Trieste, Italy, and Pula (a town now in Croatia). On Aug. 21, 1960, he married Hazel Baud in Farmington and enjoyed 39 years until her passing in 1999. James served 47 years as a selectman of the town he loved, as well as various positions on the library board, cemetery association, Historical Society, Masons Lodge and Congregational Church.

James is survived by three children, Frank, Ben and Robert; Frank's stepdaughters, Heather and Ally; Ben's wife, Kim, and their son and grampa's special pal, Bradley; sister Ruby and sister-in-law Miriam; many nieces, nephews, neighbors, friends and Ralph the cat.

The family would especially like to thank Don and Mr. Whoopie for standing vigil with us in these last days. God bless you both.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Adams-McFarlane Funeral & Cremation Services, 108 Court St., Farmington. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 11 at 2 p.m. at New Sharon Congregational Church, with the Rev. Marcia Charles officiating. Interment will occur at New Sharon Village Cemetery following the service. Donations may be made in James' memory toward A Community Flower Garden Fund, c/o Russell Gardner, P.O. Box 76, New Sharon, ME 04955. Those wishing may send condolences to the family at www.adamsmcfar lane.com.