James Robert “Bob” Smith

James Robert “Bob” Smith, 84, of Cumming passed away November 18, 2022. Bob was born in New Jersey to James and Florence Smith. As a young adult, he served in the National Guard, as well as marched with the National Champion Hawthorne Caballeros Drum and Bugle Corps from Hawthorne, NJ.

Bob owned and operated an electrical contracting business in New Jersey for 45 years before retiring, with his wife, Jane, to Georgia in 2007 to be closer to family. During his career, Bob served as President of both the Passaic County (NJ) Electrical Contractors Association and the NJ State Council of Electrical Contractors. He also enjoyed renovating properties and was recognized for his historical restoration work.

Bob was a boating, car and model train enthusiast and frequently attended boat, car and train shows. Some of his favorite times were spent with family and friends boating on Lake Hopatcong, NJ and Lake Lanier, GA. He loved going for long car rides and he especially enjoyed the Excalibur he owned for many years. Bob was also an avid train collector and had an extensive and elaborate display of trains which he loved sharing with others. He was an active member of the Train Collectors Association (TCA) and the North Atlanta O-Gauge Train Club where he formed many friendships during his retirement years.

Bob was a devout Christian who shared his faith with everyone he met, friend and stranger alike. He was a light to all who knew him, often thinking of others and passing along his words of wisdom. He will be missed dearly by so many who loved him. 

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Jane Von Bargen Smith; daughter and son-in-law, Carolyn and Robert Osborne; son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Kathy Smith; five grandchildren; Rob, Brittany and Ashlyn Osborne, Cassidy and Connor Smith; and brother-in-laws James Von Bargen and William Von Bargen.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, Jan 7 at 12:00 pm at the Ingram Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday from 10:00 am until the time of the service.

Donations in his memory can be made to https://www.stjude.org/donate

Ingram Funeral Home, 210 Ingram Ave, Cumming, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.