GILFORD----James Sheldon Smith, 78, of 31 Cyrus Lane died Sunday morning, February 15, 2015 at home with his beloved family by his side after a brief courageous battle with lung cancer.
Jimmy was born February 20, 1936 in Laconia, the son of the late Bernard and Madelynde (Smith) Smith.
A graduate of Laconia High School class of 1954, he played many sports excelling in basketball and was where he met the love of his life, Claire Lessard. After high school he went on to Brewster Academy graduating in 1956.
A lifelong resident of Gilford Jimmy grew up adjacent to Lily Pond, and as a teenager he was known for his bike repair and fishing boat rental business. A soap box car derby enthusiast he was known as #38, the car to beat.
Prior to his retirement in 1998 Jimmy was employed at Pike Industries, Inc. for forty four years.
Among Jimmy's many joys were vacationing, skiing, snowmobiling, and especially entertaining.
Jimmy (Pep) cherished and loved his three grandchildren, they filled him with the greatest pride. Pep's two great grandchildren brought him immense joy and never failed to put a huge smile on his face. Dad was the kindest most patient, loving, selfless person. To be his daughters was a true honor, to be his friend was a cherished gift.
Jimmy is survived by his two daughters; Jill Ellen Smith and her husband Bill of Gilmanton, and Heidi Ann Smith of Gilford; his grandchildren; Ryan James Smith and his wife Alicia of Gilmanton, Arica Lynn Caldwell and her husband Jacob of Belmont, and Mitchel James Segalini of Gilford, his great-grandchildren; Jamison Ruger Caldwell and Colton James Smith, and his sidekick Gunnar. He is also survived by many nephews and nieces.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Claire L. Smith in June of 2014, and his brothers, Walter and B. Thurston Smith.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1PM on Friday, February 20, 2015 at The Beane Conference Center, 35 Blueberry Lane, Laconia. A time to continue celebrating Jimmy’s life and visit with his family will immediately follow the service until 5PM.
According to the family's wishes, please no flowers. Those who wish may make a donation in Jimmy's memory, the family suggests the Claire Smith Family Scholarship Fund, C/O: Bank of NH, 62 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH 03246, or to Central NH VNA and Hospice, 780 North Main Street, Laconia, NH 03246.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial please visit www.wilkinsonbeane.com.