JAMES PATRICK SMITH

JAMES PATRICK SMITH
Dr. James Patrick Smith passed away on December 15, 2025 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was 80 years old.
Jim was born on May 23, 1945 in Norwalk, Connecticut to parents Thomas Smith and Helen (Vermes) Smith. After graduating from Central Catholic High School, he attended Maryknoll Seminary in Glen Ellyn, Illinois for a year before making the difficult decision to leave and pursue an academic career instead. He earned his Bachelor's degree in history from Fairfield University in 1967, his Master's degree in history from Northwestern University in 1969, and his Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Iowa in 1979. While studying history at Northwestern University, he stole the parking space of fellow student Melitta Cutright, whom he married in 1972. In 1976, they moved to Elmhurst, Illinois where he joined the faculty at Elmhurst College as a professor of sociology. Their daughter, Elisabeth was born in Elmhurst in 1983.
During his 40 years at Elmhurst College, Dr. Smith was dedicated to his students, colleagues, and discipline. He served as Chairperson of the Department of Sociology from 1977 until his retirement in 2016. He published articles on pedagogy, helped design the sociology curriculum, created the criminal justice program, and created opportunities for students interested in social work and human services.
After his retirement, Jim prioritized family and faith. He and his wife moved to California, Colorado, and finally to New Mexico to live near their daughter and granddaughter. A lifelong student, in retirement Jim poured himself into a ceramics practice, pickleball, and community college Spanish classes. In Santa Fe, he found comfort and community at the Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Church.
A self-described introvert, Jim modeled a life of service to others, sincerity, and integrity that inspired the love and admiration of those who knew him.
James Smith is survived by his wife, Melitta Cutright; daughter, Elisabeth Cutright-Smith (Justin Mapula); granddaughter, Lyla Mapula; sister, Kathy Smith Hocking (A.J.); sister-in-law, Jo Cutright; and nephew, Scott Huber. He is preceded in death by his father, Thomas; brother, Tom; and mother, Helen.
Funeral services will be held at Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Church in Santa Fe, New Mexico on Friday, January 9 at 9:30 AM. Berardinelli Family Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements. Graveside services will be held at Cutright Cemetery in Union Township, Cumberland County, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making donations to The Innocence Project.