James H. Smith

1951 - 2026

James H. Smith

July 6, 1951 - January 18, 2026

WILTON - James H. Smith, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away at home on January 18, 2026, with his loving wife by his side.

Born July 6, 1951 in Rockaway, N.Y., Jim was the second child of Adelbert and Grace (McDonald) Smith. The Smiths moved to Brentwood a couple years later where Jim and his siblings had a great childhood. He often shared stories of his adventures with his brothers and buddies from the neighborhood, and fond memories of playing cards or board games with his family that lasted all night long. Jim later joined the Army Reserves and NY National Guard serving for 13 years and achieving the rank of Captain before being honorably discharged.

In 1958, Jim didn't know it but he met his future wife, Linda Bauer, while in second grade. Jim and Linda grew up together and had the same circle of friends but went separate ways after graduating from Brentwood High School in 1969. One serendipitous night in 1972 they ended up at the same bar and spent the evening catching up. Linda went on her way not thinking anything of their encounter but Jim was smitten. The next day he called every Bauer in the phone book until he reached Linda's mother, who was more than happy to share her phone number and the rest is history!

Jim and Linda married in July 1974 and settled into their new life together, welcoming their daughter in 1975 and their son in 1979. In 1980, during a trip upstate to visit good friends, Jim and Linda bought a piece of property in the Adirondacks. The next year Jim quit his job at the Town of Islip Highway Department and moved his family to Johnsburg, where he built the home they lived in for almost 40 years.

Jim loved living in the Adirondacks and quickly embraced small town life. He took up skiing and volunteered at the local school. He was integral in the addition of a new Little League team, the Tigers, soliciting donations and coaching for many years. Jim also became active in local politics serving as a Councilman and Zoning Enforcement Officer for the Town of Johnsburg.

Jim was a master craftsman first starting his own business building handmade wooden furniture. As more requests came from clients for wood carved signs, Jim turned his business into a custom sign company, Signs by Jim Smith. He taught himself to paint with a little help from Bob Ross and added these pieces to his gold leaf signs. Jim's work can still be seen all over the north country and Long Island.

Last year, Jim joined PACE at Hudson Headwaters and while skeptical at first, was won over by the incredible staff and participants. Jim looked forward to

PACE every day, welcoming new participants, catching up with his buddies, playing dominos and causing a little mischief from time to time.

Jim is survived by his wife, Linda; children, Trish (Jay) Scheffler and Jamie (Shannon) Smith; grandchildren, Mary Grace and James Smith; siblings, Robert (Kathleen) Smith and Eileen (Patrick) Passaretti; aunt, Cathy (Bernie) Neil; cousin, Kathleen McDonald; in-laws, Jacqueline (Frank) Andriani, Robert (Robin) Bauer and Michael (Kim) Bauer; special friends, John and Kathy Pellatt and Diane Robinson; and many nieces and nephews that he adored.

He was predeceased by his parents, Adelbert and Grace Smith; stepmother, Harriet (Kelker) Smith; siblings, Thomas Smith and Maureen Angilletta; special uncle, Thomas McDonald; in-laws, Robert and Edith Bauer, James Bauer; and dogs, Molly, Honey, Heidi and Sandy.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to PACE at Hudson Headwaters, 38 Larose St, Glens Falls, NY 12801 or your favorite animal rescue.

Family and friends are welcome to call from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026, at The Church of Saint Peter, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866.

For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com