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James Smith Obituary
Maybe James Gregory Smith's knack for finance began with the paper-route money he stashed in his Cap'n Crunch Treasure Box for safekeeping. Instead of frittering his funds away, he stockpiled them. From then on, he always held after-school jobs. A stalwart Islanders fan, he kept himself in hockey skates during high school in Hicksville, N.Y., helped put himself through college, and used contacts supplied by his uncle to land a series of jobs on Wall Street, the last at Cantor Fitzgerald.
He once told his sister, Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite, that a successful trader needed to get up each morning "ready to bite a bear." Which he happily did. She suspects that in a less capitalistic landscape he might have preferred to run a little wine shop — he was a budding collector — or coach hockey.
"But he felt lucky to have his job; we grew up in a working-class family, and Jimmy's career choice turned out to be such a lucrative one," said Ms. Lewthwaite. It bought him and his wife, Donna, a home in Garden City. It meant he was able to take ski vacations with friends, and to take his four children on annual treks to Disney World. Recently it had allowed him to indulge, at age 43, in a sporty Saab convertible he wryly called his "change-of-life" mobile or, whenever he and Donna needed a night out on the town, his "date car."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
The Emmy Dash Family Fund
September 11, 2019
Today, 9/11/19, we remember.
The Emmy Dash Family Fund
September 11, 2017
On this day, September 11, 2017, a donation pledge was made to the Sharon A. Thomas Child Center at 50 Delaware Avenue. The donation was made by The Emmy Dash Family Fund in memory of James Gregory Smith. The donation will be used by the Center to purchase a set of ethnic and culturally diverse dolls to be used by the kids. We have a lot more in common than any differences tearing us apart. May James Gregory Smith and everyone we lost on September 11th rest in peace.
Anne M. Masterton
September 11, 2016
To the Smith family: Fifteen years on, I still remember Jim and offer a prayer daily for him, and for all of you. I went to Trinity with your husband/father/son/brother/cousin/grandson/nephew, and recall him as being intelligent, funny, gentle and, mostly, kind. I hope some day you'll be able to smile more often than cry when you think of him. And I continue to pray for peace, for everyone, everywhere. God bless...
Danielle Maichle
September 9, 2016
In February 2016, on a sub-zero degree morning, I was at a medical appointment. A woman in her 80s, using a walker and accompanied by her daughter, braved the cold and snow to come in for a post-surgery check. She had canceled a prior appointment, but had rescheduled it for that day. The problem was, it was now 30 days after her surgery date, so her insurance would not cover the visit. She owed a $45 co-pay. She didn't have the money. Her daughter, trying to sound upbeat said: "Mom let's go home, you've been feeling ok since the surgery." I had the honor of paying her co-pay in the name of James Gregory Smith, my classmate from the University at Albany 1979. The woman and her daughter promised to remember James and his Family and Friends on Sept. 11, 2016. May tiny lights
vanquish the darkness.
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Danielle Maichle
September 11, 2015
Remembering James Gregory Smith and his family and friends, today, September 11, 2015.
September 13, 2014
I knew James when he worked at Cantague Park. He was a great guy...May he rest in Peace.
Fred Diaz
September 11, 2014
Back in my days working for Goldman, i started playing hockey and Jimmy gave me advice from tying my skates to playing defense. Even a few on how to trade. To this day I still hear him and follow all his suggestions. A great friend who is truly missed.
July 20, 2014
Thank you all for always remembering...
Dear family and friends, I would be happy to give you the full version of this picture if you want it. Please contact me, and I will email the picture
Eric Bloemers
December 4, 2013
Danielle Maichle
September 11, 2013
To The Family and Friends of James Gregory Smith, I send comforting thoughts and prayers your way, today 9/11/13. May James, a member of my Class of 1979 at The State University of New York at Albany, rest peacefully until you see him again.
Rev Renwick Bell
September 10, 2013
rest in peace my dear cousin
September 7, 2013
Dear family and friends of James Gregory Smith,
We are Robin Bottenheft and Christa Neering of the Netherlands (Europe). Last 1st of september we visit the memorial of 9/11. And it is impressing. Later we realised that every step we maked means a lot of names. At one of the photos we maked, we choose a name to give more support.
We wish the family and friends a respectfull Memorialday next 9/11.
Yours faithfully,
Robin and Christa.
Joy Camarda-Sheeran
October 8, 2012
Went to Trinity with Jimmy - always fun to be around :) Always a smile o his face. I just got back from the WTC Memorial and saw his name... He will never be forgotten.
September 13, 2011
All the guys who played ice hockey with Jimmy still remember and miss him. A first rate defenseman and gentleman.
Kerry McKenna Chmielowiec
September 11, 2011
Went to High School with Jimmy.. Remember him as sweet, kind, gentle and smart. Remembering him today on this 10th anniversary. God Bless.
kristine
August 19, 2007
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Jimmy Smith
March 16, 2007
I will remember James in my prayers.
P Tabbernor
March 15, 2007
In remembrance....
James Smith
September 11, 2004
My thoughts and prayers are with the family, and all the families of that immortal day.
Peter Fritz
September 11, 2003
My thoughts and prayers are with Jimmy and his family on this sacred day of remmbrance. I worked with
"Schmitty" at KMS in the 80's.
September 11, 2003
MEMORY ETERNAL. REST IN PEACE, JAMES.
JOYCE ELLIS
December 9, 2002
".....It is rather for us to be here
dedicated to the great task remaining before us... that from
these honored dead we take increased
devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of
devotion.... that we here highly
resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain....
excerpt from Lincolns Gettysburg Address
jellis
Katina Marie Clark
September 12, 2002
Tonight, Sept. 11, 2002, at my city's Day of Remembrance Event, I received James Gregory's name with my program. Please know that he was remembered with a prayer this evening, and for you, his family, as well. May you feel peace and healing on this 1 yr. anniversary, and his continued presence, in spirit, in your lives. God Bless
Katina
Robert Ashton
September 11, 2002
James was a 1979 graduate of the University at Albany. Today, the first anniversary of his loss, his alma mater planted two trees in memory of him, the other seventeen alumni lost with him, and the thousands of other voices silenced so brutally and suddenly. We share in the grief of the families and renew our commitment to the value of each human life.
Alexis U.
September 9, 2002
Last Christmas I received a bracelet from the Wristband Aid foundation. This bracelet had the name Monica Lyons engraved on it. She was one of the victims in the attacks. I was so touched by the bracelet I decided to buy another one. This time the bracelet had the name James G. Smith engraved on it. I never knew James G. Smith but to me he is not only a name. Everyday I see his name engraved on the bracelet I never take off. It is a constant reminder of the innocence lost in those attacks. I hope that someone from his family will see this and know that someone out there prays for him and them everyday. I am very happy I finally found a connection to the man whose name and story have touched me without ever meeting him. May your family be blessed and comforted during this one year anniversary and forever.
Alexis, 16
Karen Connors-Richard
September 2, 2002
As the one year anniversary draws closer my thoughts and prayers are with Jim's wife and children. May God give them the strength to get through this difficult time.
Karen Connors Richard
Holy Trinity, '75
Angie Campbell
May 16, 2002
May God Bless you and watch over the family and friends that you left behind on 9/11/01. Rest in peace.......... forever more.
May 6, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL MAN..JAMES GREGORY SMITH AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK..MAY JESUS ..ST.JAMES AND ST.GREGORY GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
kenneth kamermayer
March 11, 2002
Mona aka Mrs Smith to me and my brothers. We had the privilae of growing up as friends with Jimmy, walking the 1.5 miles to old country road school everyday and all through my formative years i new Jimmy would grow up to be successfull. Jimmy was a best friend to alot of individuals in the "A" section of Hicksville and obviously throughout the world. He will always be in my prayers each time i look at an american flag waving as i go through life.
Kenneth Kamermayer
A FRIEND ALWAYS
nancy camacho
March 11, 2002
My deepest condolences to the Smith
Family, I attended Holy Trinity and graduated with James, he will always be remembered!
Renwick Bell
January 30, 2002
Aunt Mona, my heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time. Mom and I just recently visited with each other over the holidays, and went over some of the family's history and the good times. I hope you and she can get together, soon. This is Ren, Patsy Conlon's son......
Teresa Jahn
December 11, 2001
We are very sorry for your loss of James. Thank you for sharing a part of his life with the world with the stories of "biting the bear" and date car. It made me laugh a little. So even now your James is touching lives. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Roxana Billman
October 16, 2001
I am 43 and have 4 children like James did. I just would like to say that many people the world over are praying for those who died and for their families. We hope you receive strength from God through our prayers.
Leland Gilmour
October 16, 2001
My deepest condolences and prayers to the family of James Smith. Smith is my maiden name. We are all praying for you.
Donna Poulnot
October 11, 2001
My condolences to the family of James Smith. I was a Smith prior to my marriage. My best wishes that financial assistance will be forthcoming soon from all the sources promising help.
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