“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)
James Francis Smith, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed peacefully on February 24, 2025. We are grateful that, in addition to a lifetime of love, his final month was filled with cherished moments alongside family and friends.
Born and raised in the Bronx to James and Mary Ellen Smith, Jim graduated from Cardinal Hayes Catholic High School and Fordham University. A lifelong Yankees fan, he dedicated over thirty years to teaching high school English in the Bronx, first at James Monroe High School and then at DeWitt Clinton High School. He deeply cared for his students and often delighted family and friends with memorable stories from his teaching days.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, his sisters Margaret (Fitzgerald) and Kathleen (Butler), and his brother John. He is survived by Evelyn, his adored wife of nearly 60 years, and their three beloved daughters: Kelly Smith (Frank Brittain), Jean Smith-Gilmour (Jim Gilmour), and Michele Smith Reinke (David Reinke), his cherished grandchildren: Sarah, Nolan, Maggie, and Kate (Jean and Jim), and James (his namesake) and Will (Michele and David), and his many nieces and nephews with whom he was close.
Jim was a quintessential “girl dad”- embracing every aspect of his daughters’ lives during their childhood from dolls to Girl Scouts to drama clubs, sports, proms and everything in between. He was always their biggest cheerleader no matter what they were doing. His love for them was infinite and so much of him lives on in each of them. Jim’s dedication to his family did nothing but grow when he became a grandfather – our beloved Pop-pop. Gran and Pop-pop were fixtures at their grandchildren’s games, dance recitals, track meets, school events and, of course, all holidays and birthday celebrations.
A lifelong runner, Jim was never the fastest but always loved when he was the youngest in his age group so he had a better chance of winning a medal. But medal or not, he often laughed, saying, “It’s all about the race t-shirts.” He passed his love of running onto his daughters, grandchildren, and to many others. We will always cherish the memories of the many races we ran together. In retirement, Jim found immense joy spending time with Evelyn—whom he loved with all his heart—and being surrounded by friends and family, especially his grandchildren. In the summers, he enjoyed many days at the Haworth Swim Club and always looked forward to our annual family vacation in Cape May.
Jim’s kindness knew no bounds. He was quick to laughter and among the warmest, most welcoming people one could ever meet. No matter who you were or your station in life, he genuinely wanted to know you—your story, your roots, your dreams. His sincere interest made everyone around him feel special, valued, and loved, whether they were lifelong friends or new acquaintances.
Jim’s life was profoundly shaped by his faith and dedication to community. A committed volunteer with the Marianist Community, he tirelessly supported faith formation, community building, and nurturing family spirit. He also embraced the principles of the Focolare Movement, consistently living its values of unity, compassion, and universal brotherhood and sisterhood through his daily actions. Beyond these commitments, he spent decades as a quiet guide and source of unwavering support for those in need, offering wisdom and encouragement that changed lives in ways that words cannot fully express. His impact rippled far beyond his family, touching people from all walks of life, including those on the path of recovery. Jim was a steadfast presence for many. His belief in redemption and personal growth had a profound influence on so many people, and his guidance will live on in the many lives he shaped.
Jim led by example, embodying his favorite saying: “What matters? Loving matters!” Our lives are forever enriched by having been loved by him.
A wake will be held at Frech-McKnight Funeral Home, 161 Washington Avenue, Dumont, NJ, on Sunday, March 2nd, from 2-6 pm. A funeral mass will follow on Monday, March 3rd, at 12 noon at St. Therese of Lisieux Church, 120 Monroe Avenue, Cresskill, NJ.
Rest in peace, Pop-pop.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations to be made to: the Focolare Movement online at https://give.focolare.us/ or by check to Focolare Movement, P.O. Box 2988, Washington D.C 20013 OR Catholic Charities Newark online at https://ccannj.org/ways-to-help/ or by check to Catholic Charities Development Office, 590 North 7th Street, Newark, NJ 07107.