James H. Smith

He lived all of his life in New Jersey and much of his life with his brother and best friend Stephen. The family affectionately referred to them as the “boys”. Jim was born in Newark, NJ on April 27, 1957.

Upon his graduation from Oratory Prep High School, he began a lifetime career at Chubb & Son. He started in the mailroom and then attended the Chubb Institute. He became a skilled IT professional who was viewed by his colleagues as someone always willing to provide assistance with a smile. He became known as the “King of Profit”.

Jim was a kind, generous and witty man. He grew up in a baseball family and was a fan of the Mets (hoping that confession doesn’t keep some people away). His father and two brothers along with Jim were all baseball pitchers. Jim threw a ‘mean’ fastball which his sister can attest to as he hit her in the head when playing in the Chubb softball league. He was known to be a little wild and once threw a pitch OVER the backstop in little league. Jim also enjoyed bowling, golf, playing cribbage and pinochle with Chubb friends that became part of what was referred to as the ‘Chubb family’.

Jim lived in Warren where he enjoyed many get togethers at the ‘slug farm’. He also spent time at the Jersey shore in the summer. He loved to share the shore house with his friends and family. He was at peace at the beach just watching the ocean. He was a man of simple pleasures. Jim enjoyed bird watching, pottery, gardening, growing orchids and painting some beautiful pictures. A man of many interests but the most important thing to Jim was his family and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Marie (Stella) Smith.

Jim is survived by his brothers Norman Smith and wife Cathy; Stephen Smith; sisters Marie Smith and wife Ruth; Julia Boland; his nieces Patricia Smith and Suzanne Potts; nephews Brad Neumeister; Tim Boland; numerous great nieces and nephews; and cousins Elizabeth Cohen and Melanie Thomas.

Jim will be missed by all who were touched by his kindness.

A visitation will be held on January 6, 2022 at McCracken Funeral Home, 1500 Morris Ave, Union, NJ from 3:00 - 7:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity close to your heart.

AT THE REQUEST OF THE FAMILY, ALL GUESTS ARE ASKED TO WEAR A MASK.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McCrackenFuneralHome.com for the Smith family.