James Michael Smith

Sturbridge, Massachusetts 

James M Smith, beloved husband of Doris M (Hickey) Smith, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023.

Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, James is the son of the late Paul and Irene Smith. James, affectionately known as Smitty or Jimmy, grew up in Springfield and was a graduate of Cathedral High School. He then attended Westfield State and American International College and earned his Bachelor's Degree in Education and a Masters in Science Teaching.  He was a teacher in Wilbraham, MA for 13 years before switching careers and working in pharmaceutical sales. He quickly rose the ranks and became a district manager for Bristol Myers Squibb and stayed with the company for 22 years. 

Smitty’s family was his greatest love. He was married to his beautiful wife, Doris, for over 50 years. He leaves behind his children Michael J Smith and wife Lauren of Charleston SC, Ryan J Smith of Sturbridge MA, and Brienne J Smith and wife Lisa of Worcester, MA. He was the best Pakee to his granddaughters Ellie and Quinn, and the greatest Papa to his grandchildren Garrett and Presley. He also leaves behind six devoted sisters, including Connie Jones and husband Gilbert of Springfield, Linda Szenkum and partner William Muldoon of South Hadley, Beverly O’Connor, Barbara LaChapelle and husband Craig, Colleen Welch and husband Dennis, and Eileen Doty and husband James all of East Longmeadow, and one brother- in- law Richard E Hickey and his wife June of Swedesboro, NJ, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother in-law Richard O’Connor. 

In his healthier days, he was best known for his killer dance moves and his witty sense of humor. He was an exceptional athlete and a fierce competitor. He enjoyed every sport from soccer and basketball, to horse shoes and bean bag toss. Most of all, he loved beating anyone at just about anything. The Smith house on Franconia Circle was always the place to be. Pool parties in the summer with epic whirl pools to ice rinks in the back yard in the winter, there was never any down time with Captain Jimmy at the helm. Those who knew him best, know he was happiest when driving the boat with his family aboard or in tow, and that his favorite days were spent walking or running the beach in Ocean Park, ME with his family and his best four-legged friend Honey. Those are the memories we will cherish in his absence. 

He will be deeply missed by all of those who were touched by his love and generosity. In lieu of flowers. please consider making a donation to support Parkinson’s research at MichaeljFox.org

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