James Howard Smith, III
December 29, 1943 ~ May 3, 2023
James Howard Smith (79) passed away on May 3, 2023, after years of serious illnesses. He was born in Camden, New Jersey on December 29, 1943, to James and Charlotte Smith. He moved to Waldwick, NJ and attended Midland Park High from 1958-1962. He then attended Eastern Michigan University for three years before enlisting in the US Army in 1967.
He was selected to attend the Monterey Language Institute to become a Vietnamese translator. During the Vietnam War, he was injured resulting in serious disability. Once returning from Vietnam, he married Catherine Boyle on September 13, 1970, and returned to Eastern Michigan to finish his degree in 1971.
Jim spent his career in the airline industry, starting with Delta Airlines in New York.
He transferred to Atlanta, Georgia and became a computer programmer when the airline industry entered the digital age.
After retiring, the Smiths moved to Virginia to be closer to their sons because of Jim's illnesses. Needing more care, he spent his last months at Sunrise of Fairfax where he made quick friends and received great care. A lover of music, movies, and sports, he remained happy to the end.
He is survived by Cathy Smith (wife), Robert Smith (brother), his two sons Rob Smith and Scott Smith and their wives Libby Smith and Heather Smith, and three grandchildren Jackson, Eloise, and Gemma.
A celebration of Jim's life will be on
Friday, May 19, 2023, at 3pm at Money & King Funeral Home 171 Maple Ave W,
Vienna, VA 22180. His ashes will be laid to rest at Arlington Memorial.
He was selected to attend the Monterey Language Institute to become a Vietnamese translator. During the Vietnam War, he was injured resulting in serious disability. Once returning from Vietnam, he married Catherine Boyle on September 13, 1970, and returned to Eastern Michigan to finish his degree in 1971.
Jim spent his career in the airline industry, starting with Delta Airlines in New York.
He transferred to Atlanta, Georgia and became a computer programmer when the airline industry entered the digital age.
After retiring, the Smiths moved to Virginia to be closer to their sons because of Jim's illnesses. Needing more care, he spent his last months at Sunrise of Fairfax where he made quick friends and received great care. A lover of music, movies, and sports, he remained happy to the end.
He is survived by Cathy Smith (wife), Robert Smith (brother), his two sons Rob Smith and Scott Smith and their wives Libby Smith and Heather Smith, and three grandchildren Jackson, Eloise, and Gemma.
A celebration of Jim's life will be on
Friday, May 19, 2023, at 3pm at Money & King Funeral Home 171 Maple Ave W,
Vienna, VA 22180. His ashes will be laid to rest at Arlington Memorial.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Q: How did you meet James?
A: Jim was my classmate at Waldwick Grammar School and all through high school in Midland Park, NJ. I remember him as a very intelligent and musical student who showed great leadership qualities throughout his life. My sincere condolences to his entire family.