Judge James Donald Smith

I am so sad to learn of James passing away. He was a kind man and I will miss him. I met James while working in the restaurant business and he would come and visit me. We would have wonderful conversations and he ended up commissioning 3 pieces of furniture that I refurbished for his 2 homes. We lost touch after I moved and I wish we would have stayed in touch. He will be missed.

I was first introduced to Judge Smith about ten years ago through a mutual friend when we attended a Catholic Charities event together. What I learned that evening, and continued to witness in the years that followed, is that Judge Smith was one of the most caring, giving, and genuine people I´ve had the privilege to meet. He gave of his time and his resources freely, never seeking attention or recognition, and always putting others first.

Though I only saw him a handful of times after that first meeting, he never failed to ask how I was doing, how my family was doing, and if there was anything he could do to help. His life was a true reflection of servant leadership - quiet, humble, and generous - much like the example of Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve.

He will be missed deeply by many.

James, one of the rare highly accomplished people who wears erudition lightly. Always well informed but never overly. We so enjoyed the times together at your home and ours talking about everything under the sun and playing violin and piano together. So hard to say adieu to such a gentle and modest soul.

Joy comes in the morning,

Gary and Lee Blount

My Deepest condolences to my cousin Hope whom I never met in this earthly home: but preparing myself to meet him in the Heavenly Home.
Rest. In. Peace. My. Brother
Uncle. St Hill. Daughter. Joyce

Former Chief Administrative Patent Judge James D. Smith (Chief APJ Smith) hired me as an APJ more than 10 years ago. At the time, the patent board at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office was transitioning from the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. It was a major change to the board's structure and function, and the Chief Judge Smith was leading this transformation. I was the only internal hire during that transitional period because the new board was looking for patent practitioners with litigation experience, and for that I feel very fortunate and grateful to James for such an incredible opportunity. I will also remember James as a renaissance man with many talents, both apparent and hidden. He was a reserved, yet dynamic leader--a combination both rare and needed for such an important period in the board's transition. Thank you Chief! My heartfelt condolences to his family at such a tremendous loss! May his soul rest with the Lord.

So sorry to hear about your passing. I will miss seeing you in Thomasville Ga at LoCos. Praying for all family

My heart breaks at this moment. My deepest condolences to all who loved cousin James, and there are many of us.

James took time to see, hear and understand everyone. He lived life following Christ and spread Christ love and knowledge of Him to us, people who were in his life. James´s humble spirit and kindness will be always deeply cherished and missed.
Heidi