James Earl Smith

Born July 1, 1925, in Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, passed peacefully into the Lord’s presence on November 13, 2023, in Millville, NJ. He was also known as “Pete” to those who loved him.

James was a loving husband to the late Grace “Nancy” Ellen Smith the love of his life for over 62 years. He was a devoted father to his sons, James E. Smith Jr. (Sandra) and the late Jeffrey H. Smith (Andrea), and a proud grandfather to his grandchildren, Sarah Eisner, Matthew Smith (Holly), Jackie Eisner-Calabrese (Matthew), Melissa Ward (Dennis), gloria Eisner-Garton (Robert), Esther Modzelewski (Stephen) and Jeffrey “JP” Smith (Jamie) as well as his 14 great-grandchildren.

As a child, his parents were instrumental in the formation of Pennsville Assembly of God and church continued to be an important part of his life. He was an avid reader of the Bible.

James was a brave soldier, drafted into service in Camden, NJ as an Artillery Crewmen and Truck Driver in the US Army. He served in France and Germany during WW2 and was proud of his service.

After the war, James worked as an Electrician for 45 years at Anchor Hocking in Salem, NJ.

He was a true Ford man and enjoyed tinkering with them in his free time. He was a simple man who enjoyed the simple things in life.

James was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He was a hardworking man who was dedicated to providing for his family.  He touched the lives of many and will be remembered for his kindness and generosity and will be cherished in our hearts forever. He will be deeply missed.

Family and friends are invited to attend his graveside memorial on Friday, Dec 1. 2023 at 11:00 am, at the Salem County Veterans Cemetery, 719 Route 45, Pilesgrove.  We will be honoring the lives of James, his wife Grace, and their son Jeffrey.

“A Life Well Lived Is Worth Remembering”