OBITUARY

James William Smith

DECEMBER 9, 1932 – JULY 4, 2024

IN THE CARE OF

Sunset Memorial Park & Funeral Home

James W. Smith passed away on July 4, 2024 at the age of 91.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joe T. and Willodena Smith, sister Martha Kate Hahn and brothers Eugene C. Smith and J.T. Smith.

Jim was born in San Antonio on December 9, 1932 and was a lifelong resident. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. After returning to civilian life, he attended San Antonio College and Southwest Texas State College. He participated in track and field at both schools. He earned his BS degree from the University of Texas. He earned his master’s in education degree from Our Lady of the Lake College. He started his 33 years of teaching and coaching at New Braunfels High School. He then moved to Northeast I.S.D. and coached at Garner Middle School and MacArthur High School, where he was a football coach and head track coach. He was especially proud of his 1970 teams that won the city cross country championship and freshman and varsity district championships. He later served as an administrative assistant at West Avenue Elementary School. He returned to coaching at Burbank High School where he completed his career in education. While at Burbank High School, he taught physical science and chemistry. He received a grant from the National Science Foundation on two different occasions to further his education in the field of science at St. Mary’s University. During his career in education, he taught six different subjects and taught ages ranging from elementary level to high school level. He was at the height of his glory while standing on the sideline or in front of a blackboard. He enjoyed all sports, especially golf and fishing.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia Sue Smith, his two sons, Jeffery Smith and wife Kim Smith of Port Charlotte, FL and Wade Smith and wife Angela Smith of Austin, TX., three grandsons Cody, Jake and Colton Smith, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at Sunset Memorial Park on Thursday July 11, 2024 at 10:00 AM 1701 Austin Hwy San Antonio, TX 78218. Officiated by Pastor Michael Passmore. Jim was a lifelong member of Central Christian Church.