James G. Smith, Jr.

James Gordon Smith, Jr., Lt. Colonel, USAF (Ret.), of Orlando passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on Sunday, September 4, 2022, in Orlando, FL. Funeral service and celebration of his life will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park located in Gotha, Florida, on Friday, September 9, 2022 at 10 AM.

He was born on May 26, 1931, in Perry, GA, and grew up in Orlando from age five. He attended Orlando High School (OHS) and later went on to University of Florida where he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration followed by the Master in Business Administration (MBA) in 1962. All the while, he served in USAF and rose through the ranks to become a co-pilot and navigator who loved flying, and retired as a Lt. Colonel in 1991. He actively served during the Korean and Vietnam wars.

He served the University of Central Florida (UCF), beginning as Assistant Comptroller in 1970, and then as Budget Director from 1973 until he retired in 2003. He was on the UCF Credit Union Board Of Directors from 1971-2005. He played an active advocate role in the building of UCF’s Football Team, The UCF Knights, for which he received the 1991 and 1992+ Distinguished Service Awards from The Knight Boosters. He was also the UCF advisor of the UCF Creative School for Children. As a young boy, in 1945, he achieved the highest honor of “Eagle Scout” in The Boy Scouts; and then later served the next generation as Webelos Cub Scout Leader, and Boy Scouts Leader.

James went on two Honor Flight trips to Washington D.C. with other Veterans. He also served as a Gideon for many years. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church from 1968 to 2008, and then closer to home, a member of Southside Baptist Church from 2008 until time of his passing.

James is survived by his wife, Evelyn Davis Smith, and his two children: Michele S. Miller, and Michael J. Smith, and his two grandchildren: Bradley and Yasiman. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in James’ name to Delaney Baptist Church, 1919 Delaney Ave., Orlando, FL 32806. The family would also like to thank Advent Health Hospice and Anne’s Home (ALF) for the compassionate care and kindness of their caregivers in his final days.

A graveside service for James will be held Friday, September 9, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734.