Greenwich –

James C. Smith, 93, died at home on August 11, 2018.

Born April 26,1925, in Waterford, Mississippi, he was the son of the late Luke Nathanial Smith
and Grace Angeline Gallagher.

A WWII veteran, Jim was a machinist on the USS Willis, a destroyer escort, serving in the North Atlantic and the Pacific. After the war, he married Luella (Ellie) Saunders of Argyle, NY, on July 11, 1946. They celebrated their 72-wedding anniversary last month. Jim took advantage of the GI bill and was hired as an apprentice at the Sunoco Station on the corner of John and Main Streets in Greenwich. Five years later, he was a partner and in 1961, he became sole owner. He sold the gas station in 1977 to open his own car repair shop. He was a very
talented mechanic, but more importantly, his customers trusted him completely because of his honesty and integrity. He retired in 1987. Jim was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He and his family traveled frequently to Mississippi to visit relatives and they had a second home in Winterhaven, Florida for many years.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his three brothers, William, David and Leslie (Martin), and his grandson, Benjamin Smith.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Ellie, his children, Brandon Smith, Julie (Al) Valerio, and Stacia (Paul) Brigadier, his grandchildren, Jason Smith, Jessica LaCross, Brianna Smith, Tad Smith, Adam Brigadier and Nicholas Brigadier, his great grandchildren, Miranda Smith and Annabelle LaCross.

Per Jim’s request, there will be no calling hours. A church service will be held later.

Arrangements are in the care of M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home 123 Main Street, Argyle, NY 12809. To post online condolences, please visit www.kilmerfuneralhome.com.