James A.L. Smith

James Albert Lee Smith April 27, 1937 - September 1, 2025 Sunnyvale, California

James Albert Lee Smith passed away peacefully at home in Sunnyvale, California, on September 1, 2025, at the age of 88. Born in Harrisburg, Virginia, he was the son of James Albert Lee Smith Sr. and Fannye Catherine Hall.

James earned both a Bachelor's and Master's degree from West Virginia University and dedicated over 30 years to education as a high school librarian. He taught in New Jersey and Maryland. After retiring, he continued serving his community by volunteering at Our Daily Bread in Sunnyvale, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, and working at local election polls for many years.

He was a lifelong fan of the West Virginia Mountaineers and the U.S. Olympic team, and in recent years, embraced the inaugural season of the Golden State Valkyries with quiet enthusiasm. He loved spending time in the kitchen and enjoyed his favorite television shows: Wheel of Fortune, Law & Order, and The View.

James deeply valued friendship. Whether it was someone he met decades ago, a colleague from his years in education, or a kindred spirit who entered his life more recently, he welcomed others with sincerity and warmth.

His gentle spirit extended to the animals he loved, including his dog Pepper and cat Bones, both of whom preceded him in passing. He was devoted to his cherished cat Beijing, who remained his constant companion.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Ann Smith Castelli, and her husband, Charles J. Castelli of Hilton Head, South Carolina; as well as nieces Lynn Ann Clawges and Cheryl Lee Vanaman. Lynn Ann's husband, John Clawges of West Virginia, survives her.

James is also survived by his devoted husband, C. Shane Whittemore; Shane's daughter, Aubrey Michelle Rogers; Shane's mother, Patrecia Chavez, and her husband Jacob Chavez; Shane's sister Kelsey Lee Chavez and her sons Alexavier and Asher; and Shane's sister Davisa Whittemore, her husband Maher Belmamoun, and their children Aidan, Alia, and Amira.

He is further survived by great-nephew JD Clawges and his wife Jennifer, and their three sons: Jace, Daxton Foster, and Skyler; and great-niece Aubrey Anne Vessecchia, her husband Joseph, and their children Haiden and Anthony.

To his nieces and nephews, James was lovingly known as "Uncle Jimmie"-a title he wore with pride and tenderness. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the meals he helped serve, the ballots he helped cast, and the love he shared with friends, family, and colleagues. His memory will be honored in both private reflection and future memorials.