James Harold Smith
April 19, 1933 - June 10, 2023
Cherished husband, father, grandfather, and brother, James Harold Smith, passed away on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at the age of 90 years.
James was born on April 19, 1933 in Burrow, Texas, to Claude and Lorene Smith. He graduated from Lewisville High School in Lewisville, Texas in 1950. He attended the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas and then entered the US Navy in 1952, serving until 1956.
After the Navy, he met the love of his life, Lanell, while studying at Texas A&M University, where he received his electrical engineering degree. Together, they started a family while James worked for Collins Radio. A couple of years later, James, Lanell and their young son moved to California. James earned a master's degree from Santa Clara University in California. The family settled into a life in Sunnyvale, where James participated in his children's sports by coaching an American Little League team, serving on the American Youth Soccer Association board of directors, and refereeing soccer games. In retirement, James enjoyed golf, literature, helping the grandkids, and relaxing at home with Lanell.
James was preceded in death by his loving parents, Claude and Lorene, and his brother, Don. Survivors include: his wife Lanell, son James Gregory Smith and wife Cheryl, daughters Christine Scott and husband John, Valerie Vergara and husband German, grandchildren Vance and Kurt Vergara, Kelly and Kevin Scott, Russell, Ryan, and James Smith, and his brother Dan and wife Le'Nore, Don's wife Wanda Smith, and nephews David, Mark, Brian, and Kyle Smith.
James was a patient, kind, thoughtful soul who adored his family, loving them unconditionally. We will cherish the many wonderful memories we all have with him.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, June 29, 2023, at Lima & Campa Sunnyvale Mortuary, 1315 Hollenbeck Avenue, Sunnyvale CA 94087.
Memorial services will be held at 2:30 PM, August 25, 2023 at Flower Mound Cemetery, 1501 Flower Mound Road, Flower Mound, Texas 75028.