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James Smith Obituary
Jim was born the son of Lawrence and Eva (Muller) Smith on April 15, 1945, in Pensacola, Fla. Following graduation from North Olmsted High School in North Olmsted, Ohio, he attended the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis. In 1967, he spent a year as a Fulbright Scholar at the Universitat Munchen in Munich, Germany, studying quantum physics.
His 20 year career in the Navy culminated in command of the USS Sculpin (SSN 590) out of New London. Following retirement in 1987, Jim attended Connecticut College to earn a master's degree in teaching and began his second career at Griswold High School in 1992, teaching physics and chemistry. He was passionately dedicated to the success of his students and unfortunately passed away on what was to be the first day of school with his new students this year.
Jim married the love of his life and best friend, Vicki Jo Lamneck on June 17, 1967.
In addition to his wife of 44 years, he is survived by his daughter, Lauren Raye Lewis, son-in-law, Mark Lewis, and granddaughter, Meredith Gael Evangeline Lewis, and his son, Eric Howard Smith. He is also survived by his mother, Eva Smith; his brother, David Smith and his companion, Sandy Diaz; his brother, Christopher Smith, sister-in-law, Beverly Smith, and nephews, Isaac and Tyler Smith. He will also be sadly missed by his mother-in-law, Evangeline Lamneck; brother-in-law, James Lamneck; sister-in-law, Nancy Huddleston; and nieces, Amy and Bridget Lamneck.
He was an active member of Ledyard Congregational Church and a dedicated member of the choir, just one of many ways he was able to indulge in his love of music. He freely and selflessly gave of himself whenever he saw need and worked for several years for the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life. He also was a supporter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Sept. 17, 2011, at Ledyard Congregational Church.
His family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Jim's name to Ledyard Congregational Church, 722 Colonel Ledyard Highway, Ledyard CT 06339.
The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl St., historic downtown Mystic, is assisting the family.
A scholarship in memory of James Smith is being planned at Griswold High School. Donations may be sent to the scholarship, c/o Griswold High School, 267 Slater Ave., Jewett City CT 06351.
To share a message of condolence or remembrance with his family, please visit www.dinotofuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Smith
September 22, 2011
So sorry to hear about our classmate, Jim. Our prayers and sympathy go out to Vicki and family.
The NOHS Class of 1963
Jackie Briggs Davis
September 19, 2011
As an old friend of Dave's from North Olmsted, I was saddened to hear of this loss. My sympathy and condolences go out to Eve, Dave and the whole family.
September 16, 2011
To the Smith Family: We are neighbors not known, but feel your sadness. Wish you well. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Slonski Family.
Chelsie Swinyer
September 16, 2011
i never had him as a teacher but i did know him and he was a wonderful man, true spirit man and he will truly be missed. my thoughts and pray goes out to mr.smith's family and friend. Griswold pride all the way. I am so very thankful to have met him he was a excellent teacher. Heard many stories from different students as well. He will be missed.
John Beauregard
September 16, 2011
It was a great honor in having him as a teacher during my years at GHS. He was a great teacher, and will surely be missed. My deepest condolensces.
September 16, 2011
My thoughts and prayers to the Smith family.
Mary & Sam Porter-Price
September 16, 2011
Dear Mrs. Smith and Family,
What an impact your husband had on the field of education and on the lives of so many students! Heaven now has another angel looking down on all of us. We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers as you continue on your life's journey.
Sarah Cholewa
September 15, 2011
Dear Smith Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Smith was an amazing teacher. The education system was lucky to have such a kind, thoughtful soul shaping America's youth. He will be missed by all, I am so thankful to have had him as a teacher. I saw him for the last time at my brothers graduation and I will never forget his kind words, advise and his wonderful smile. Your family is in my thoughts.
Laura Wheatley
September 15, 2011
I had Mr. Smith as a teacher in 1993 and 1994. I can still vividly see him standing on his head in front of the classroom or strumming his guitar to gain everyone's attention. I was honored and privileged to have Mr. Smith as a teacher. Please know he made a difference in my life.
Neil Malek
September 15, 2011
I had the pleasure of being one of Mr. Smith's students soon after he began his teaching career at Griswold. The degree to which he genuinely cared for his students and was willing to do anything for them cannot be downplayed. He really embodied what being a good teacher means and stood out as a sterling example at Griswold. His huge heart (and lightheartedness for that matter) will surely be missed.
Katie Coombs
September 15, 2011
Dear Mrs.Smith and Family,
I had the pleasure of having Mr.Smith for 2 years while at GHS for Chemistry and Physics and I credit him for the A's I received in college chemistry and physics. He was a wonderful leader for me in the National Honor Society. He was a patient and kind man and will be sadly missed. My thoughts and prayers for you and your family, may he rest in peace knowing that he touched and inspired many young adults
The Camerino Family
September 14, 2011
Dear Smith Family~
It was with a heavy heart that I send my condolences. Jim was a very special man who touched our hearts time and time again! Celebrate in your memories as we will cherish our Relay memories!
The Osga Family
September 13, 2011
Dear Smith Family,
Each member of our family has very fond memories of Jim. We honor him as a caring and dedicated teacher, a true mentor to the National Honor Society, a fun loving water skier and a beloved employee. Please know that our sympathies are with you.
John Cote
September 13, 2011
Dear Mrs. Smith and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Smith was a great teacher and mentor to me over the years. He was a dedicated, kind, and caring teacher who always put his students first. From entering homeroom on the first day of high school, to visiting me after my surgery, to graduation, and beyond, Mr. Smith was always there to talk to and provide me with his endless wisdom and advice. He had a profound impact on me and I am forever grateful for having such a great person in my life. His teachings have inspired me as a teacher and as a person. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family, especially during this time of great loss. Mr. Smith will be forever missed.
With Great Sympathy,
John and Katherine Cote
Sharon Breen
September 13, 2011
What a loss for Griswold High School. My 3 daughters had Mr. Smith as a teacher for honors Chemistry and AP Physics. They have fond memories of his love of music and his passion for Chemistry/Physics and his always wanting the best for his students. I remember him at parents conferences or at events at the school and he always had a smile and kind words to say.
Our family extends thoughts and prayers to you and your family. We are so blessed to have known him. I am so thankful that he was a part of my children's lives.
Peg Anderson
September 13, 2011
Dear Vicki and family,
I was so sorry to hear of the death of your husband and father. Your mom is a dear and precious friend and was best friends with my mother-in-law, Lillian, for many years before Lillian's passing. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and that I will be here for Vangie for whatever she needs. Love and prayers, Peg Anderson
Diane Simoneau
September 13, 2011
Mr. Smith was my son Christopher's Honors Chemistry teacher. His influnce during the two years spent with him led to my son who was first in his Graduating class of '98 to pursue his PHD in Chemistry. It took 9 years of schooling but Mr. Smith was with him all the time in memory. My condolences to his family, but, He did make a difference.
Jeff & Sherri Meredith
September 13, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
September 13, 2011
One of the most intelligent and caring person I know. Truly loved by his students and admired by his colleagues, GHS has lost a wonderful soul but he has inspired so many along the way. Thank you to his family for letting us be with him 7 hrs a day for so many years
Relay For Life of New London County Shoreline
Mary Pratt
September 13, 2011
I'm am saddened to learn of Jim's passing. Jim and his team from the church have been a big part of our Relay For Life family and I will so miss him. To his family and friends, my prayers are with you all.
Katie Kruszewski
September 13, 2011
He was a lovely man. I'm so sorry for your loss! Katie (WW)
September 13, 2011
RIP
Melissa (Canova) Tetreault
September 13, 2011
I had the pleasure of having Mr. Smith for 2 years at GHS. He was a wonderful teacher, mentor, and inspired us to be and do the best we can. I also had the opportunity to be in the National Honor Society, and he he was a wonderful leader for us as well. Thank you Mr. Smith for all of the life lessons you taught me, and may you rest in peace. My thoughts are with your family at this time.
September 13, 2011
Jim was always ready to lend a hand and do the extra jobs. He will be missed.
September 13, 2011
Jim's influence on the youth of Griswold has been profound. he was much loved at GHS. our best to the family. thank you for sharing him with us.
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