Brigadier General James F. Smith, age 54, of Cary passed away September 29, 2014. He was born January 6, 1960 in New York, NY, the son of Jeremiah and Mary Smith. They survive their son. Jim is also survived by his wife Jennifer E. O'Leary Smith whom he married July 20, 1991 in Notre Dame Ind., His sons Luke Jeremiah Smith, Matthew Mark Smith and Joseph O'Leary Smith. His siblings: Maureen (Harry) Smith Clendening, Patricia Smith, Stephen (Susan) Smith, Kelly Ann (Steven) Smith Wardell. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Jim was a retired Air Force Brigadier General. General Smith's assignments included numerous wing, major command and headquarters comptroller and strategic planning positions, including deployment as the senior military adviser to the commander, Stabilization Force, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. He recently retired from the Air Force as the mobilization assistant to the Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Plans and Programs, where he supported national security objectives and military strategy. Upon retirement, General Smith was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal by the President of the United States. He was also a partner in the Butler Pappas Law Firm. Jim was vice-president of the Notre Dame Club of McHenry County and former president of the Sts. Peter & Paul School Commission as well as a former basketball coach at the school. Visitation will be Thursday, October 2, 2014 from 4:00 until 9:00 PM at Sts. Peter & Paul Church, 410 First St., Cary. Funeral Mass 11:00 AM Friday October 3rd at Sts. Peter & Paul. Burial will take place at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials would be appreciated to Sts. Peter & paul Catholic School. For info: 847-639-3817 or kahlemoore.com

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Oct. 1, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for James Smith

14 Entries

Stephen P Ngo, Esq.

July 6, 2021

Dear Smith Family: I had started the day thinking of Jim. I hadn't thought about him since 2013 when I left Butler Pappas' Miami Office. Today, I woke up and said, "I need to reach out to Jim and let him know what kind of impact he had on my life...even though I hadn't talked to him in years." I checked the law firm page, and didn't see him there. "It has been eight years or so, he might have moved on." I searched Google, but nothing popped up until I found this obituary, and my heart sank.

But, I wanted to let Jim know what he meant to me, even though we were numerous states away and only met but a handful of times. Jim: I wanted to let you know that truly appreciated how you always made people feel important. Everyone that knew you knows that you always learned a person's name and always used it in conversation. You had this uncanny way of making a person feel remembered. As a young lawyer, I was in awe of your presence, your accomplishments. As a former Brigadier General, I knew you were a leader of men, but I also learned you were a shepherd of good people.

It's now eight years or so since we last talked. I'm the father of a soon-to-be nine year old boy. I wanted to let you know that your powerful presence will never be forgotten, and I will tell my son about Jim Smith, a man who made people feel important.

Very truly yours,
Stephen P. Ngo
Palm City, Florida

Paul and Judith O’Neill

September 25, 2020

Dear Smith Family,
We were sorry to hear of Jim’s passing in 2014. We have many fond memories of all of your family at SS Peter and Paul and at Notre Dame Football games.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your faMiley.
Sincerely,
The ONeill Family

Lauren Clark

June 9, 2015

We just read about Jim's death in the UVa alumni magazine. Jim and I were classmates in AF ROTC. My husband Bob ('81) also knew him though AF ROTC. May happy memories of this wonderful man soothe your sad hearts, and may perpetual light shine upon him. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers, Lauren (Rose) and Bob Clark [email protected]

Judie ONeill

October 29, 2014

Hi jen, we are so sorry to hear about Jim. We have fond memories of sspp and. going to Nd.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys.
Sincerly,
Judie,paul,kevin and erin oneill -rhode island

Anne Marie Finch

October 13, 2014

My thoughts and prayers to Jenny and the rest of your family. I remember you and Jim fondly from law school days. I especially want to thank your family for Jim's service to our country.

Richard Strawbridge

October 6, 2014

I was proud to have Jim as my law partner for quite a few years at Clausen Miller, and on the trial team for the Rubbermaid case, which produced a record verdict. Jim was an excellent lawyer and a gentleman with a dedication to service that was well reflected in his distinguished military career. Jim was a fine representative of his alma mater, Notre Dame, as well, exemplifying the high ideals of that institution. And I always appreciated his understated sense of humor, which was never lacking even in stressful times. Jim was a tremendous person who will leave a deep sadness with his passing in all who knew him.

October 3, 2014

Our prayers are with Jim and all his family and friends during this time. May fond memories of Jim console and comfort you all. He is at peace. -Kotz Family (Ken, Gina, Lisa, Maria)

Michael Sever

October 3, 2014

Jim was my colleague and mentor for four years at Butler Pappas. What I'll always remember is despite how easy it would have been to get a big head during his career of considerable accomplishment, Jim was always a gentleman, humble, and kind. It was an honor and privilege to begin my legal career working with him. He will be sorely missed, and the world is lesser place without him. The world needs more men like Jim.

Nina and Zen Panek

October 2, 2014

I had the pleasure of working for many years with Jim during our tenure at Clausen Miller, P.C. and was saddened to hear of his passing. Jim was a wonderful man and an honor and privilege to have known him. Although, there are no words of comfort that can fill the void in the hearts of Jim's family, we extend our deepest and sincerest sympathies to Jenny, Luke, Matthew, Joe and Jim's entire family.

Tom McGlynn

October 2, 2014

My condolences to Jim's family during this very sad time.I got to know Jim over the past few years through his work as an attorney.When Jim would come to Phillie we would go out to dinner.He liked talking about his boys,as I do mine.I have 2 a little older,but Jim and I shared many similar experiences.He was very fond and proud of them.I will miss Jim and those dinners.It was truly an honor to have know him.

Lisa O'Brien

October 1, 2014

I had the pleasure of working with Jim in the early 90s. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Keith Uram

October 1, 2014

The first time I met Jim, I was nervous even though my wife worked for him for a long time. With all his Air Force achievements, I expected him to be very strict and by the book. He was a gentle, kind individual who was very subdued. I was surprised and delighted to be in his company for the few times we were. He will be missed. My best to his family.

Brian Murray

October 1, 2014

Deepest condolences to Jim's family, wife, children and many friends. I am deeply saddened by this news, and pray all those who knew Jim are comforted that he is now in the cradle of God's love, at peace and looking over us all.

October 1, 2014

I knew Jim through the Notre Dame Club. He was so dedicated to making the organization the best it could be, and to helping people less fortunate. Jim had a very inspirational spirit, which I will remember with great admiration.
Chris Kane

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