James Schuyler "Sky" Smith Jr.

James Schuyler “Sky” Smith, Jr., age 86 of Roswell, GA, Syracuse and Star Lake, NY, passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at home, surrounded by family. Sky was born in Syracuse, NY and graduated from Solvay High School in 1956. He went on to attend Colgate University, graduating in 1960. During his time at Colgate, Sky was an active member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and continued his connection with the university as a member of the Colgate Club of CNY- Alumni Chapter, over the years.

Sky proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1961 to 1966. In 1965, Sky married Judy Proctor in a beautiful ceremony at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Syracuse. Following their wedding, they celebrated over 51 years of marriage together. He spent most of his career at Merchants Bank in Syracuse, where he held several roles, including Vice President of Human Resources, until his retirement in 1993. After retiring, Sky continued to contribute his expertise in human resources at Advanced DC Motors in East Syracuse, where he worked for several more years. Schuyler was also a long-time member of both of his NY parishes: St. Charles Borromeo of Westvale/Syracuse and St. Hubert’s in Star Lake, NY.

The Smith Family cottage (Woodcroft c.1910) in Sky’s beloved Star Lake, nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, is where he loved to be the most! His knowledge of this special place and home was unmatched. He was the quintessential caretaker. He developed wonderful connections with his neighbors in both the Star Lake and Westvale/Syracuse communities, where he spent the majority of his 86 years.

Sky was known for his quick wit and sarcasm, always bringing a smile to those around him. His sharp sense of humor and joyful spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him and often hysterical laughs. On the flip side, he was one of the most tender-hearted men you would ever meet. Above all, Sky was a doting grandfather, affectionately known as ‘Papa Sky’ to those fortunate enough to know him. He loved to spoil and support his grandchildren, and he led a full and rewarding life, surrounded by dear friends, with many cherished memories to carry forward.

Sky was preceded in death by his wife, Judith Smith; parents, James Schuyler and Ruth Boyd Smith and sister, Ann Cooper Smith.

He is survived by his two favorite daughters, Sarah Boyd Smith Mandell (Jeffrey) of Marietta, GA and Courtney Ann Smith Righter (Ronald) of Cumming, GA; grandchildren, Ruth, Howard, Nathaniel, and Sally; sister-in-law, Elizabeth "Liz" Proctor Brown (James) of Tampa, FL; nieces and nephew, Lisa G. Osman of Atlanta, GA, David (Jennifer) Jones of Mankato, MN, and Meredith (William) Rogers of Beaverton, OR; several great-nieces and nephews and decades-long friends from near and far.

A Funeral Mass will be held at the Catholic Church of St. Ann, 4905 Roswell Road, Marietta, GA, 30062 on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 11:00 am. The interment will be in Star Lake, NY in July 2025.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to: St. Hubert's Church, 1046 Oswegatchie Trail Rd., Star Lake, NY 13690; Wilderness Health Care Foundation (Clifton-Fine Hospital) 1014 Oswegatchie Trail, Star Lake, NY 13690.