James A. Smith of Raymond, NH passed away this past Wednesday morning at his daughter's residence in Hampstead NH, surrounded by his loving family. James was born January 29, 1944 in Lawrence, Massachusetts, the son of the late Lawrence P. and Marguerita Smith.
Jimmy was educated at St. Augustine Grammar School in Lawrence, MA and Haverhill Trade School, where he studied to be an electrician. He was a licensed Master Electrician and was employed by the Essex County Sheriffs Department for over 30 years. He was a lifelong active member of St. Augustine Parish, Lawrence, MA.
Jimmy raised his family with his former wife and good friend Jacqueline Smith. Family time with his three girls was his life. He spent many long hours working to support his family, but always found the time to spend with each one of them. He was a loving and caring father who will be greatly missed by his daughters.
During his retirement years Jimmy found great joy in strolling through antique stores and refinishing furniture. He was a frequent participant and well known at antique auctions in the area. It was, however, in 1995 that his true joy in life came to being - his grandchildren. Jimmy was best known as "Poppi", the loving and doting grandfather to his six grandchildren: Connor, Julia, Gabrielle, Maxwell, Jillian and Adam. At times Poppi could be more of a child than the children. He played with each child for endless hours, going to every sporting and dance event, showing interest in their lives and always expressing his love for each and every one of them. If his life's accomplishments were measured in love, his life would be immeasurable! He is an example of a true believer and we will forever believe in him and his love for all of his family and friends.
Jimmy was a fighter for life and lived each moment to the fullest. In 2005, he survived a long, difficult battle with cancer. He is a true example of the power of faith, courage and determination. We will forever be inspired by his fight and his will to live.
Jimmy is survived by his three daughters: Suzanne M. and her husband David R. Casa of Wakefield, MA; Maureen A. and her husband Mark J. Donahue of Hampstead, NH; Laurie F. and her husband Christopher D. Palermo of Franklin, MA; six grandchildren: Connor F. and Julia E. Donahue, Gabrielle N., Maxwell D. and Jillian R. Casa, and Adam James Palermo; and his former wife, Jacqueline C. Smith of E. Greenwich, RI.
He is also survived by his sisters and brothers: Maria M. and her husband Thomas Torrisi of Haverhill; Lawrence P. Smith and his wife Linda of Northfield, NH; Arthur B. Smith of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Patrick J. Smith and his wife Joan of Rockville, MD; Kathleen A. and her husband David Burke of Methuen, MA; Barbara J. and her husband William Casey of Mashpee, MA; Cornelius J. Smith and his wife Annemarie of Methuen, MA; Mary-Ellen and her husband Richard Beshara of Methuen, MA; Richard J. Smith and his wife Maureen of Atkinson, NH; Francis A. Smith of North Andover, MA; Paul M. Smith and his wife Kathleen of Danvers, MA; Christine M. and her husband Thomas Burke of Keene, NH; Elizabeth A.Smith and her life partner, Mary Johnson, of Seabrook, NH. He was also the brother of the late Frederick W. Smith. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and two very special grand-dogs, Lucy and Sophie Frances.
A mass of Christian burial will take place Monday morning at 10 o’clock in Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish/St. Augustine Chapel, Ames Street, Lawrence.
Friends may call on Sunday from 3-8 p.m. at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, Inc., 233 Lawrence Street, Methuen.
Please omit flowers at the request of the family, due to severe allergies.
The family has asked that memorial contributions be made in Jimmy’s memory to the
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association at www.secure.charcot-marie-tooth.org/donate.php.