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BORN
1938
DIED
2022
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James Smith Obituary
Jan. 30, 1938 - Jan. 10, 2022
Resident of Morgan Hill, CA & Big Stone City, SD
James F. Smith (Jim), beloved husband, father, and grandfather, entered into heaven on January 10, 2022 in Morgan Hill, California. He was born on January 30, 1938 in Big Stone City, South Dakota. At the time of his passing, he was a resident of both Morgan Hill, California and Big Stone City, SD.
He is survived by his wife Susan M. Smith; sons Brett and Bart; daughter Marci; granddaughter Janet; and grandsons Sam and Max. He is preceded in death by his parents Frank and Nellie; sister Janice; brother Joseph; and first wife Janet.
Jim was raised in Big Stone City, SD, where he served as an altar boy at St. Charles Church for many years. He went to college at Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD and was later recognized as a Distinguished Alumni.
Jim spent his entire career in education. He moved to California in 1962 and began a 40 year career at Evergreen School District (ESD) in San Jose, as a teacher, principal and finally as a superintendent from 1975-2002, and was one of the longest-serving superintendents in the state of California. Under Jim's leadership, ESD grew form a small rural district of one school to over 15 schools. Every school in the district except one was named as a California Distinguished School. Nine of the district's 16 schools received national "Blue Ribbon" awards. As Jim said, "It kept me challenged." In recognition of Jim's outstanding leadership, "James F. Smith Elementary School," was named for him and opened in 2001.
Jim was respected not only for his leadership but for his values and high expectations. His Midwestern sense of humor and witticisms never left him. Family was very important to him and he especially enjoyed road trips to Grand Teton National Park, sports, World War II history, and classic cars.
A private memorial service will be on Friday, January 21 at 11am at Evergreen Valley Church, 2750 Yerba Buena Rd. San Jose and a public celebration of life will be held in the spring.
View the online memorial for James Franklin Smith
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Memories and Condolences
for James Smith
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
6 Entries
Jesse C.
December 12, 2023
Mr. Smith was my 7th grade teacher,. He was age 24 years.
Does anyone know where he is interred?
Nick geannacopulos
August 4, 2022
Jim, was my Dad´s best friend for many years. He was just a terrific human being- bright, kind, decent, full of life, and down to earth. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.
Jesse Castillo
January 24, 2022
I guess tonight I was led by God to browse the local obituaries.
Mr. James Smith was my 7th grade teacher at Evergreen Elementary School on Fowler Rd. I suppose I was age 12. The school was so over populated in 1962 to which the 7th grade classroom was upon the stage of the auditorium (see pic). Of course the curtain was drawn shut. I recall Mr. Smith well. He certainly was in a profession suited for his life passion. For a science demonstration, he brought to class a the foot of a chicken. And showed us that by pulling on the tendon, the foot would gnarl-like.
Once or twice a month, Mr. Smith excused me to attend a catechism class held by a catholic nun. The class was held inside a barn at a ranch across from the school on Fowler Rd.
Of all the school teachers I had in my life, Mr. Smith surely stands out as upper tier.
May God bless Mr. Smith.
Please accept my condolences to all his family. Sorry.
Jesse Castillo (1962 student)
Mollie Belcher
January 14, 2022
I never got to meet Mr Smith although I felt like I knew him through his wonderful caring son Brett. We have been friends for a long time and we got to know each other´s families through the years. Brett loved his Dad so much. He spoke of him often and how lucky he was. I have lost both my parents but I know that wonderful sons and daughters don´t just happen, they come from great parents. Love you Brett. Sending condolences and prayers to Sue, Bart, Janet and the entire family from Texas. You all are in my thoughts. May God bless you and comfort you during this hard time.
Darling & Fischer Garden Chapel
January 15, 2022
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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Darling & Fischer Garden Chapel471 East Santa Clara Street, San Jose, CA 95112
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