James N. Smith

James N. Smith, of Mount Vernon, Washington, formerly of Everett, Washington, and Lawrence, Kansas, was born March 24, 1943 in Aurora, Colorado and passed away on March 22, 2015 in Mount Vernon, Washington. He was the son of Daniel C. Smith of Lawrence, Kansas and the late Mildred Delay Smith.

His early years in Denver were spent playing baseball and having fun times with his many cousins. A true baby-boomer, his schooling there included attendance at 3 elementary schools until a larger one was built. The schools were so overcrowded that 2 sessions were held each day, and Jim's session was from early morning until noon.

Dan, Milly, sister Cindy, and Jim moved to Lawrence in 1958. Jim played high school football, and, under the guidance of Jerry Rogers, set records in track at Lawrence High School where he graduated in 1961. Jim attended the University of Kansas.

Mr. Smith served 4 years in the United States Coast Guard. His last cruise was served aboard the USCGC Northwind II (WAGB 232) based in Seattle in 1965 where he was named Sailor of the Cruise. It was a memorable trip. An oceanographic survey between Greenland, Iceland, and Scotland was attempted with notable stops in Panama, England, Norway, Scotland, and New York ; the Northwind was the first western vessel to operate in the Kara Sea of the Soviet Union, for which she received the Coast Guard Unit Commendation with Operational Distinguishing Device. The (then) classified mission of Northwind was to attempt a transit of the Northeast Passage. The effort was not successful and caused a diplomatic incident between the U.S.S.R. and U.S.A. A Swedish ship was in trouble, and a rescue mission ensued in the North Sea in 40 feet swells added to the memories of his big cruise.

On March 5, 1966 Jim and Roberta June Braun Smith were married in Port Angeles, Washington. They made their homes in Seattle, WA, Lawrence, KS, Marysville, WA, Everett, WA, and Mount Vernon, WA.Their pride and joy were their children: Timothy James Smith and Paula Danelle Smith.

Jim worked in the insurance and automobile industries in Kansas and Washington. In retirement, he and Roberta operated an internet sales site,which Jim enjoyed immensely. He found the greatest treasures to sell and delved into their provenance. He enjoyed the horse races, playing cards, and always playing Santa at Christmastime for his granddaughters, to whom he always gave the best advice.

If Jim were with us now, he would advise us all to run, not walk, to the nearest doctor if you have a mole that does not look normal. He suffered from metastatic melanoma. May he rest in peace. A gathering of family will honor Jim at a family gathering later this spring.

He is survived by his father, Daniel. Smith, of Lawrence,KS, his wife of 49 years, Roberta and his daughter, Paula Smith and her daughters, Emily Ann and Madelon June, all of Mount Vernon, WA, his son Timothy Smith (Lisa Harris and her son, Brandon Jensen) of Bothell, WA, Tim's daughter, Lauren Marie and her mother, Ann of Everett, WA. Also mourning his loss are his sister, Cynthia Reeves (Fred) of Lawrence,KS and their children and grandchildren, his special cousin, Kaye Delay Jensma Chambers, of Elizabeth, CO, and many extended family members.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Henning Pforte, Dr. Kiarash Koujouri, Dr. David Kantorowitz in Mount Vernon, Dr. Tang and Dr.Tony Chen in Everett, and Dr. Christopher Loiselle and Dr. Charles Cobbs at Swedish Medical Center - Cherry Hill in Seattle.

Memorials for James N. Smith may be made to the Humane Society of Skagit Valley, 18841 Kelleher Rd., Burlington, WA 98233.