Major General James C. Smith

Major General James Clarence Smith was born in Jackson, Tennessee on September 13, 1922. He passed away June 6, 2015 in Tyler, Texas. Per his wishes his remains were donated to UT Southwestern Medical School. His hope is that the research and education gleaned from his donation might help others live a healthier, happier life. James was raised in Dallas, Texas and graduated from Dallas Technical High School in 1940. He enlisted and entered active duty in the Aviation Cadet Program in 1943. General Smith's distinguished military career took flight in October 1944, when he was assigned to the European-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations flying P-47 aircraft. He flew 88 combat missions, logged 205 combat flying hours and remained with the Army of Occupation in Germany until September 1945. In February 1946, he was released from active duty and participated in the Air Force Reserve. In 1950, he entered the Texas Air National Guard where he progressed to commander of the 181st Fighter Interceptor Squadron in 1960. He was transferred to the 136th Air Refueling Wing in 1966, where he rose through the ranks to Vice Commander and assumed command of the Wing in 1976. He was transferred to the Headquarters, Texas Air National Guard in September 1977 as Chief of Staff for Air. A position he held until his retirement in October 1979. Among his numerous awards for his long and distinguished service are the Legion of Merit, Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal and the Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal. James married Mary Lucille May before leaving for WWII. He and Lucille were married for 50 years until her death in 1994. James and Lucille had two sons; Michael Earl and Marcus Gerald. He and Lucille raised their family in Dallas and after retiring from the military James enjoyed a civilian career in corporate air travel. James is survived by two sons and one grandson: Michael E. Smith of Quitman, Texas, Marcus G. Smith and his wife Cathie of Idaho and grandson Kevin E. Smith of Austin, Texas. Uncle Jimmy as he was known to many is also survived by nieces and nephews Martha Chitsey and Mary Ida Stone of Mt. Vernon, Texas, Virginia and A.J. Kirbo of Naples, Texas and June and Jack Lloyd of Longview, Texas. After some time in San Antonio James moved to the Wood County ranch that he loved and spent the last year of his life in the care of his son Michael. James would often say that he wanted to be "outstanding in his field." He achieved that goal through his illustrious military career and later quite literally when he was able to stand in the pasture on his ranch and enjoy the wonder that is nature with his son Michael by his side. Known by many names: Jim, Jimmy, Smitty, Uncle Jimmy, Daddy and Grandpa was always a generous gentleman who gained joy from putting the needs of others before his own. He was loved and respected by all who knew him and his spirit will always be a beacon of light and admiration.