James Franklin Smith

A native of Stanley, NC, he graduated from Central High School in Charlotte before matriculating to his beloved alma mater, UNC Chapel Hill. Despite losing his parents early in life, Jim's determination propelled him to remarkable heights. He paid his own way through college by spending his summer's commercial salmon fishing in Alaska. While attending UNC, Jim met "the catch of his life," Jean McIntyre, who he married on January 16, 1955. Their marriage of 70 years stands as a testament to their mutual faith and fidelity.
A man of courageous service by nature, with a deep love for his country, Jim enlisted in the US Army after college and achieved the rank of Captain before returning to Chapel Hill to complete law school. He went on to pursue a distinguished career as a labor relations lawyer, starting with the National Labor Relations Board in Atlanta, GA. He then accepted an offer from Westinghouse Corporation in Pittsburgh, where he created the company's policies regarding the new equal employment laws and regulations. In 1964, Jim joined what was then the law firm of Constangy and Prowell where he worked for over 40 years until his retirement in 2007. Jim became one of the named partners of the firm he loved, now Constangy, Brooks, Smith, and Prophete, and to which he devoted a brilliant legal career. Many people have preconceived notions about attorneys, but Jim broke the mold. He was a zealous advocate for his clients and at the same time, Jim was considered one of the most kind, sensitive, and caring people that so many in the firm had the privilege of calling their partner. He set the standard for the culture of the Firm – a culture that exists to this day because of Jim's personality and leadership.
Jim's legacy of professional accomplishment could only be eclipsed by his role as a revered patriarch to multiple generations. Just like the many apple trees Jim planted in his life, the Smith family tree flourished. He and Jean raised a family of 4 children, followed by 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Deeply rooted in their shared faith, Jim and Jean dedicated themselves to the Presbyterian Church throughout their marriage. They both were leading members of their churches, including Peachtree Presbyterian Church. They left Atlanta in 1999 and retired to Lake Hartwell, where Jim shifted his focus to cultivating his land and his family. Amazingly, they sang alongside each other as active members of their church choirs for over 80 years! They left Atlanta in 1999 and retired to Lake Hartwell, where Jim shifted his focus to cultivating his land and his family. The homestead he created in Hartwell reflected his own nature as a place full of laughter and love, freely shared with all their family and many friends.
Jim was a staunch advocate of education whose curious mind drove him to read voraciously on all topics, especially American history. Although his tireless work ethic propelled him far beyond his humble beginnings, he never forgot where he came from. He became a meticulous guardian of history; his passion for ancestry reflected his deep reverence for those who came before him. A gentleman in all regards, Jim offered kindness and wisdom to all fortunate enough to know him. The bright light of his spirit shines on for his Lord in heaven, together with his many friends and family who preceded him in death. He is survived by his devoted wife, Jean McIntyre Smith, sons Bryant and Stuart Smith, daughters Allison Baker and Miriam McLemore, daughter-in-law Betsy Richards, sons-in-law Bret Baker and Tim McLemore, 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service for Jim will be held at 2:00 p.m. on March 9, at the First Presbyterian Church of Hartwell, GA. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Frank A. Constangy memorial scholarship fund at the University of Georgia Law School, 120 Herty Drive, Athens, GA 30602
Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com
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