James E. Smith, Jr., originally from Brooklyn, NY, and a longtime resident of the area, passed away Tuesday, July 5, 2016, in Middletown. He was 73.

The son of the late James E. and Alice M. Langenegger Smith, Jimmy was born May 14, 1943 in Brooklyn. Growing up he enjoyed spending time with family and friends at Breezy Point, swimming and body surfing. He graduated from Erasmus Hall High School and the Culinary Institute of America. He proudly served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division and was awarded Armed Forces Expeditionary and National Defense Service Medals.

On November 19, 1966, Jimmy married Joan Hughes Smith, to whom he was married for 42 years. For many years, Jimmy was a machinist at Louis Hornick in Haverstraw, NY, where, as an active member of ILGWU Local 155, he long served as shop steward. Later, he used his talents as a chef to cook for the sisters of the Convent of St. Helena in New Windsor, NY. Jimmy was a man who loved life, from westerns, to good food, Johnny Cash and the Eagles, to gardening, and, above all, his family.

He was predeceased by his wife Joan. Survivors include his daughter Lauren O'Donohue and her husband Thomas of Wurtsboro, NY; daughter Nancy West and her husband Michael of Newburgh, NY; four grandchildren Melissa, Connor, Alice and Zoe; sister Gail Schilke and her husband Fred of South Windsor, CT, and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

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