James Russell Smith Jr.

James Russell Smith, Jr. (Jim), 75, of Swampscott Massachusetts, died on July 27, surrounded by music and loving family at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers. A resident of Swampscott since 1992, Jim was born in Memphis, Tennessee to James Russell Smith Sr. and Lela Ann Smith, both of Memphis.
He was a graduate of: Kingsbury High School in Memphis; valedictorian of his class at Memphis State University (Bachelor of Arts); Catholic University in Washington DC (Master of Arts); and Boston University (Doctor of Musical Arts).
Jim was first and foremost a lifelong musician. After discovering the Beatles at an early age, he chose to dedicate his life to music, achieving success in a broad range of roles as a composer, professor, player, orchestral conductor, and military bandsman.
In the service of his country, it is quite unique that Jim's military service included two separate branches of the US armed forces. In the Army he taught at the Armed Forces School of Music in Arlington VA. Then, in the Marine Corps, he served in the United States Marine Band ("The President's Own") in Washington DC. In addition to playing at the White House for various events of state (including the inauguration of President Jimmy Carter), Jim traveled across America as the keyboard percussion soloist for the Marine Band's national tour.
After leaving the military Jim served as a faculty member at several universities, notably the University of Wyoming, Middle Tennessee State University, and finally the Berklee College of Music in Boston. At Berklee he served a distinguished career for over 30 years as a professor of Classical Theory and Composition in the Professional Writing Division, as well as for many years as the department's assistant chair. He was also proud to be a member of the Berklee faculty union.
As a highly accomplished keyboard and multi- percussionist, Jim regularly freelanced with top performance groups in the Boston area. He was also a member of various Boston performance groups such as Dinosaur Annex, Underground Composers, the Burgett Ensemble, Harvard Chamber Orchestra, Spectrum Percussion Trio, and ALEA III, with which he travelled to Russia playing on a tour of St. Petersburg. Jim enjoyed orchestral conducting as well, and he served for many years as assistant conductor of the Arlington Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition to percussion, Jim also played guitar and piano for pleasure, and neighbors and passers-by often commented on how much they enjoyed hearing the sound of his piano coming from the house. He loved sharing music with his children and grandchildren and was delighted when the grandchildren took up playing instruments.
Perhaps he found the greatest joy in his art through composing, the most direct expression of his love of music. Among his major compositions is Quiet Earth (1997), which was selected as a shortlist winner of the international Masterprize composition contest, and was recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra and aired on BBC radio. Other major works include Savishna's Dance (2001) performed by Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra, A Celebratory performed by the Marsh Chapel Choir at Boston University, Canto V of Dante's Inferno performed by Back Bay Chorale, and his Symphony No. 1 "Seawall".
Above all, Jim was a good, kind and loving man. He was dedicated to his family, friends and students. He loved living near the ocean, taking camping trips to Maine and lake trips to Michigan, all manner of birds and animals, golf, and the Red Sox.
Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 36 years, Michele (Shelli) Jankowski-Smith of Swampscott MA; his loving sons and daughters-in-law, Yusef Abdolmohammadi and Amanda Hamilton of Concord MA, and Jacob and Emily (White) Abdolmohammadi of Marblehead MA; his six grandchildren (who knew him affectionately as "Bes") Cameron, Claire and Cecelia Hamilton, and Zack, Landon James and Owen Abdolmohammadi; his brother Steven Howard Smith of Lafayette LA; nephews Sean and Stuart Smith; aunts Joyce Harrington and Louise Simpson; cousins Howard, Susie and Lisa; parents-in-law Ernest and Patricia Jankowski; siblings-in-law Michael, Judith, Laura and Jennifer; nephew-in-law Alex; and his kitty Ivy. Jim is pre-deceased by his parents, his sister-in-law Derri Barton Smith, and his cousin Bill Johnson.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org), or to the Kaplan Family Hospice House (https://www.caredimensions.org/). A celebration of Jim's life will be held at a later date. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of James, please visit our Tree Store.