ANDOVER - James F. Smith, born October 12, 1929 to Donald
and Kathryn (McCormick) Smith in Andover, NY, died March 15, 2020 surrounded by
his family, in the house he loved. He
never found a view or a place in the world that he liked so much as what he had
right at home. A quiet man, Jim was
reserved in nature, but a keen observer who appreciated the ironic side of
life. He would often surprise and
delight with his dry wit.
Jim is survived by his wife, Evelyn (Glover), of 69 years;
seven children, Mary (Barry) Wolf of Endicott, NY; James (Darlene) Smith of
Wellsville, NY, Linda (Ed Hedrick) Smith of Washington, NC, Teresa (Bryan Kirk)
Smith of Las Vegas, NV, Marcella Smith of Shelburne, VT, Jeff (Kim) Smith
of Wellsville, NY and Monica Smith of
Olean, NY; fifteen grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; seven great-great
grandchildren; many nieces and nephews and one sister, Lucille Hart of
Wellsville, NY.
He was predeceased by his parents; four brothers, Robert,
Joe, Marty and Edward; and two sisters, Marcella Schena and Sara (Sally)
Lehman.
Jim graduated from Andover High School in 1947 and worked
for the Andover China Company and National Fuel until he enlisted in the Air
Force in 1950. He and Evelyn were
married on September 8, 1951. Stationed
in England, Jim and Evelyn welcomed Mary and Jimmy to the family. On his honorable discharge in 1954, they
moved back to Andover, renting a house from Mrs. Early on Main Street for $30 a
month. He then enrolled at Alfred College
of Ceramics where he studied engineering.
From there, he began a 35-year career with Air Preheater in Wellsville,
NY.
In 1958, with more children arriving, it was time for bigger
housing. Jim, with help and support from
Bob (Moose) Baker, began construction of the house where Jim and Evelyn resided
for the rest of his life. It is as
strong and solid today as it was on completion in 1959.
Jim was involved in various community activities, including
the construction of the Andover Little League facility, service in many forms
to the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, development of a 4H Club for area
youth, and the promotion of nature conservancy at every opportunity.
A stalwart supporter of his family, he provided guidance by
example. He set the bar for us to follow
and we, his children, will do the best we can to live up to his standard.
Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral
Home in Andover, NY. On-line condolences
may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
There will be no visitation or service due to the current
pandemic. Private military honors will
be held at his home. The family would
welcome donations to The National Audubon Society at www.Audubon.org or to The
Nature Conservancy at www.support.nature.org.