James Arthur Smith

James Arthur Smith, age 80, of Antrim NH, died March 5th, 2014 at the Concord Regional VNA Hospice House after a brief battle with cancer.

He was born in Stoddard, NH on October 23rd, 1933 to Lemuel and Edna (Jennings) Smith. Jim graduated from Hancock High School in 1951 and then enlisted with the NH Army National Guard, where he served for 9 years. He was married to Barbara (Fish) Smith on December 26th, 1956, and they were fortunate to share 57 wonderful years together.

Jim was employed as a machinist for 45 years at a variety of businesses, including Hancock Tool Company, Antrim Machine Tool, which he owned and operated, and GTE Sylvania, where he retired from in 1995. He and his wife Barbara also were the proprietors of BJ's Pizza and Subs in Antrim from 1971-1972. He was a member of the Jim Smith Society and was an avid woodworker, fisherman and hunter, who also enjoyed camping, boating, puzzles, playing cribbage and spending time with his beloved family.

Family members include his loving wife Barbara Smith of Antrim; their three children: Douglas and Sheila Smith of Manchester, Kimberley and George Maxfield of Manchester and Tracy and Christopher Child of Highlands Ranch, CO; seven grandchildren: Kara, Kyle, Brighid, Kristopher, Liam, Alison and Abby; as well as four great-grandchildren: Shaylah, Alexis, Sierrah and Amelia; his siblings John Smith, Mary Rochford, Marion Black, Nellie Robinson and Robert Smith. He was predeceased by his brother, Louis Smith.

A service will be held at 2pm on Saturday, March 15th, followed by a celebration of Jim's life until 5pm, both at the American Legion 538 W Main St, Hillsboro, NH 03244. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Concord Regional VNA Hospice House, 30 Pillsbury St, Concord, NH 03301 or Cheshire Health Foundation, Attn: Development Office, 580 Court St, Keene, NH 03431.