James E Smith,Jr. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

CRYSTAL RIVER, FLA. James E. Smith, Jr., a former Highlands borough councilman, died Thursday, May 11, at Seven Rivers Regional Medical Center, Crystal River at 74 years of age. Son of the late Anna Gallagher Smith and James E. Smith, Sr., Mr. Smith was born in Elizabeth and lived in Rahway until moving to Highlands in 1940. He attended St. Agnes School, Atlantic Highlands and Leonardo High School before joining the US Merchant Marine. He sailed six years in the marine service with the Seafarers International Union (SIU), traveling to South America and Europe, and working in the engine department. ï¿½In 1952, he hired on the Pennsylvania Railroad as a locomotive fireman, and stayed with the railroad through its transitions from PRR to Penn Central, to Conrail to Amtrak. He retiredï¿½as a locomotive engineer in 1992, afterï¿½ having fired or driven steam, diesel, and electric engines throughout the Northeast Corridor.ï¿½He also attended Brookdale Community College, was a US Army veteran of the Korean conflict, serving as a locomotive instructor at Fort Eustis, Va. Mr. Smith was an adult leader for Boy Scout Explorer Post 25 in Highlands, was a former member of the Highlands Planning Board, and a member of both the Highlands and Atlantic Highlands Historical Societies. He was a lifetime member of the Highlands First Aid Squad, an exempt fireman of Columbia Hose Company of the Highlands Fire Department, and a former member of the Holy Name Society of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. He was also a member of the Highlands Lions Club. He was a member of the Bishop McFaul Assembly, Fourth Degree, Long Branch, and a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus, in the Keyport, Vince Lombardi and Bayshore councils before becoming theï¿½charter grand knight of the Father Joseph Donnelly Council in Highlands. He held several offices in both the Bayshore and Lombardi chapters. Since moving to Florida two years ago, Mr. Smith has also been a member of the All Saints COuncil #6954, Knights of COlumbus in Homosassa, and the Francis Cardinal Spellman Assembly #1547, Knights of Columbus, Beverly Hills. He is a member of the Color and Honor Guards for the Assembly, and editor of its newsletter, The Faithful Patriot.ï¿½ Mr. Smith was elected as a Democratic candidate for the Highlands Council in 1988, serving a three year term during which he was chairman of the police and sanitation committees. After retiring, the Smiths spent 10 years traveling in their RV throughout the United States, visiting all 50 states and volunteering at National Wildlife Refuges for the US Department of Fish and Wildlife in North Carolina, Texas, and Maryland, before settling in Crystal River two years ago. He is Survived by Muriel, to whom he had been married 51 years,ï¿½three daughters, Kathy Palamara and her husband Bob, of Lanoka Harbor, Cdr. (USN)ï¿½Tracie M. Yeoman and her husband Chris of Bayville, Michelle Smith of Basking Ridge,ï¿½one son, James III of Surprise, Arizona, seven grandsons and two granddaughters, and two sisters, Kathleen Cifelli of Lakewood and Ann Sundberg of Tennessee. He is also survived by a cousin, the Rev. Marietta Smith of Lenoir, NC. His first great grandson is due later this month. ï¿½ï¿½ Viewing will be at the John P. Condon Funeral Home, Leonardo, Tuesday, from 2 to 4 pm and 7 to 9 pm. Aï¿½mass will be offered at10:00amï¿½at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. Cremation and burial at sea services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Francis Cardinal Spellman Assembly #1547 Tuition Assistance Fund, PO Box 945, Lecanto, Fl. 34461

James E Smith,Jr.

November 2, 1931 - May 11, 2006

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James E Smith,Jr.

November 2, 1931 - May 11, 2006

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