James Norbert Smith

Jim was born in San Mateo, Florida to Kermit Wilson Smith and his wife, Susan Mary Marvick Smith. Jim had only one sister, Mary Susan (Sue, Deceased), married to William (Bill) Gaines, of Palatka, Florida. Linda, Jim’s loving wife of 45 years, was by his side at the time of his death. Sisters-in-law, Theresa Turner (Ray, Deceased) and Vicky Anderson, continued their vigil at home to provide love, comfort and support for Linda. He is also survived by his two children, Michael Smith (Nancy Williams) and Teresa Lawrence (J P Lynam). He has three grandchildren, Stephan Parry (Diana Opong-Parry), Jordan Lawrence, Ryan Smith and honorary grand- daughter, Kira Bartleson. Stephan and Diana have given Jim three Great-Grandchildren, Evangeline, Vivica and Malcolm. Jim is also survived by a niece, Joni Swiger (Matt) and family, in Palatka, Florida and his former wife Carol Smith, Seattle, Washington. Looking for work in the late 1930’s, Jim’s father moved his family to Goose Creek, Texas, where he found work as a carpenter. Jim attended Grade School and Junior High School in Goose Creek, Texas and he finished Junior High School in Baytown, Texas. In 1950 the family moved once again, this time back to Florida to be close to his father’s family. Jim completed his high school education in 1953 at the Putnam High School in Palatka, Florida. Jim went to work right after graduating from high school. He was hired by the Hudson Pulp and Paper Mill in Palatka, Florida. He operated the machine which made pulp sheets for printing newspapers. The work was hot and dirty, and Jim was glad to be out of there when he left in January 1955. The same month Jim left the Mill, he also left Palatka, Florida, and his family. The U. S. Navy was to be his home for the next four years. Beginning January 20, 1955, he reported to the Great Lake Naval Training Center, Lake Michigan for Basic Training. He thought he would freeze to death. The U.S. Navy provided Jim a home on the USS Sperry, docked in San Diego, CA. He “saw the world” by spending time docked in Hawaii and coming to Seattle for SEAFAIR. After taking some classes offered by the Navy it was discovered that Jim was a good typist, fast and accurate. This led to his next assignment, The Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia. Jim was assigned there until he was discharged from the Navy January 19, 1959. Jim told the men and women he was working with at The Pentagon that he was moving to Seattle and going to work for The Boeing Company. On March 2, 1959 Jim was hired by the Boeing Company. With no formal education, Jim started in the stockroom and worked his way up in the Company. Jim had a talent for drawing, sketching, and layout design, this helped him obtain a position as a Graphic Illustrator. Jim retired in 1995 after celebrating 36 years working at The Boeing Co. Jim chose to live a private life, enjoying his music whether it was playing his guitar, a 45, an LP or a CD. He loved his music. His love of reading gave him a long list of favorite authors and a good size collection of used paperback books. Jim also loved the movies, a good drama, a scary thriller, or a Sci Fi movie sitting at home or in the theater. During this time of COVID-19 restrictions there will be a private graveside service at Holyrood Cemetery to commit his ashes. In honor of his memory we encourage you to listen to some of your favorite music, read a good book and on occasion think of Jim and say a little prayer for him.