Jesse James Smith

Jesse James Smith, 78, of Bushkill, died on Wednesday, March 30, at Pocono Medical Center, East Stroudsburg. He was the husband of Gertrude E. (Smith) Smith; they were married Sept. 3, 1949.

He was born in Hardersville, S.C. on Sept. 6, 1926, a son of the late James and Rose (Cummings) Smith. He was a resident of Pike County for the past seven years and prior to that of New York since he was 13 years old.

Jesse was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during World War II. Prior to his retirement in 1995, he worked as a cab driver and mechanic in New York City for many years.

He is a member of the Bushkill Golden Friendship Club and the Pine Ridge Seniors. He was of the Baptist faith.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Jesstina D. Jean-Baptiste and Belinda M. Smith, both of Bushkill; and two sons, Leonard C. Smith of Bronx, N.Y., and Robert J. Smith Sr. of Brooklyn, N.Y. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Rasheem, Yadira, Lakeya, Robert Jr., Nefertiti and Harszang; and one sister, Jessiemae Troutman.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday April 5, at the Joseph J. Pula Funeral Home, 23 N. Ninth St., Stroudsburg with Pastor Cabarrus officiating.

Cremation will follow in the H.G. Smith Crematory, Stroudsburg. There will be a viewing from 10 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday, April 5, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either the American Diabetes Association, 2045 Westgate Drive, Suite 302, Bethlehem PA 18018 or to the American Lung Association 2121 City Line Road, Bethlehem PA 18017.