James William Smith

James William Smith
Dec. 3, 1925 - Sept. 17, 2014
Walnut Creek
James William Smith passed away peacefully in Sacramento, with his loving partner, Mary Weaver, at his side. Born in Pasadena, CA to James Reginald Smith and Lorena Shemely Smith, Jim grew up in Vallejo, CA and graduated from Vallejo HS and UC Berkeley. He was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity and the Cal Basketball Team that was in the 1946 NCAA semifinals. In W.W.II, he served in the US Army Air Corps.
Jim was a respected teacher, coach, principal, and district administrator. He mentored new teachers; led staff development programs; wrote successful grants for his districts; and advocated for classroom technology, program evaluation, nutrition and physical education. At retirement, Jim was an Assistant Superintendent in the San Ramon Valley USD. He will be remembered as a positive, quick-smiling team member who was helpful, innovative, and easy-to-be-with. His themes: Be all you can be; finish strong.
Jim was preceded in death by wife Barbara Varnum Smith, his parents, sister Jean Bercu, and nephew James Bercu. He is survived by children Stephen (Lisa) Smith, David (Trish) Smith, and Marcia Lerch; grandchildren Kym Smith, James D. Smith, Lynn Lerch, and Daniel Smith; nephew William Bercu; and many friends and colleagues.
At Jim's request, there will be no memorial service. If so desired, donations can be sent to the "James William Smith Memorial Fund" at Cal Alumni Association, 1 Alumni House, Berkeley, CA 94720-7520.