James G. Smith

James G. Smith, 93, of Salamanca, NY died peacefully Friday morning, August 2, 2024 at home with family by his side.

Born February 2, 1931 in Salamanca, NY, he was the son of the late LeRoy F. and Amelia Meyers Smith. He was married October 21, 1961 to the former Mary Lou Dunn, who survives.

Mr. Smith was a veteran of the United States Army, serving as a Medical Lab Technician at Ft. Benning, GA. He earned the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Medal.

He earned a BS in Chemistry with a minor in Math, and a Master’s Degree in education from St. Bonaventure University.

Mr. Smith had been employed as a Science teacher at Ellicottville Central School for 40 years prior to his retirement in 1995. From 1955-57, he taught Math and Science at Limestone Central School. He had also been the owner and operator of L.F. Smith Dairy, a family-owned business started by his father in 1924.

He was a member of the former St. Patrick’s Church, where he served as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister, Our Lady of Peace Parish, the American Legion Hughes Skiba Post 535, Knights of Columbus, Saint Vincent DePaul, Elks, Hibernians, and Elkdale Country Club.

He was an avid reader and enjoyed doing crossword and sudoku puzzles with his wife. He also enjoyed listening to classical music and watching classic movies on TV. “Big Jim” could often be seen sitting on his front porch with Mary Lou by his side throughout the summer enjoying what he called “his serendipity”.

Surviving are: a daughter, Melissa Van Winkle, Arkport, NY; two sons, James (Janice) Smith, Great Valley, NY, LeRoy Smith, Brunswick, OH; four grandchildren, Donnie Van Winkle, Will Van Winkle, Haleigh Siebert, Braden Siebert; two great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a daughter, Heather Siebert, and two sisters, Patty Jean Pascarella and Elaine Bradley.

There will be no visitation.

Memorial visitation will be held in Our Lady of Peace Parish, 274 Broad Street, Salamanca, NY on Saturday August 10, 2024 from 10:00 - 10:30 a.m., at which time a memorial mass will be held with Rev. Charles Johnson as celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to the Salamanca Public Library, 155 Wildwood Avenue, Salamanca, NY.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.