James A. Smith

Husband to Ardelle, son of Albert and Josephine (Offell) Smith, and brother to Lynn.  Father to Sally and Craig and Grandfather to Payne, Paige, Derek, and Chase.  

Jim Smith was born in Los Angeles and grew up in the Coachella Valley, graduating from Oxnard HS.  He graduated from Compton Junior College, attended UCLA, enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War in 1952, becoming a pilot in 1954.  Jim married Ardelle Anna Austin in 1958.  Jim graduated from Oklahoma State University with a BS in Electrical Engineering in 1960 and Rensselaer Polytechnic Univ. in 1965 with a MS in Management.  Major Jim Smith flew a C-47 and commanded over 100 personnel during his tour in Vietnam. Colonel Jim Smith retired in 1978, receiving the Air Force Commendation Medal.  

The family moved to Escondido where Jim became a Realtor and Broker, building two subdivisions in Escondido, and continuing to fly his Apache plane.  The great vacation Jim Smith orchestrated was a cross-country tent trailer camping trip in 1971 with his family, 2 dogs, mother-in-law Doris Austin, and sister Lynn, when transferred from the Pentagon to Vandenberg AFB.  

Camping, flying, golfing, home improvement projects, family reunions, drinking coffee at McDonalds, and his pets, including Chi-Chi, were his favorite pastimes. 

Committal service with Military Honors at Miramar National Cemetery is scheduled for Friday, June 21, 2019 at 11:00am to 11:30 am.  Please arrive at 10:30am to organize procession of cars to the ceremony site.  

Family and Friends please join us for lunch immediately following service at Sally Smith’s house located at 2091 Winamar Place, Escondido CA 92029.  214-673-8509

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