Obituary of James David Smith, Sr.

James D. Smith, Sr., 80, of Asbury, New Jersey passed away peacefully on August 19^th, 2024. James was born on November 18^th, 1943 in Maplewood, New Jersey to the late Charles Leo and Mary Ann Sudol-Smith. James grew up in Maplewood and graduated from Essex Catholic High School and went on to attend Rutgers University Newark Campus. James married his beloved wife Beverly Ann DeRose at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Orange NJ. James was a loving father to his children, daughter Deidre Marie and son, the late, James D. Smith Jr. Professionally, James worked in finance and was the CEO and President of Llewellyn Edison Savings from 1987 until his retirement in 2012. 

While raising his young family James resided in Glen Ridge, New Jersey and was a very active member of the community. A devout Catholic James was also very active in his parish the Church of The Holy Name in East Orange, New Jersey. In keeping with his Catholic faith James lived to serve and constantly dedicated himself and his time not just to the family he loved but to the community he cherished. Throughout his life James volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America, West Essex and Metropolitan YMCA, Essex Catholic High School Vice Chair on the Board of Directors, Glen Ridge Music Parents, Glen Ridge Athletic Association, Camp Merry Heart, he ran the preschool religious program at Holy Name Church and he and his wife ran the Holy Name Church high school senior CCD youth group in their home. 

In keeping with James’ spirit of giving he was also a Rotarian for 50 years with the West Orange Rotary Club and was even named a Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. James was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, the New Jersey League of Community Bankers for 45 years, West Orange Chamber of Commerce, UNICO National (West Orange Chapter), and somehow made time to follow his love of golf as a member of the Rock Spring Country Club in West Orange. 

Aside from his passion for golf James had quite a few other hobbies and interests he always made sure he had time for. He was a huge hockey fan and loved the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils. James also enjoyed going to see Broadway shows and musicals. He supported his children in their endeavors; James Jr. in ice hockey, boy scouts, baseball and theater and Deidre in marching band, softball, basketball, track and field and equestrian. James was a proud supporter of both of his granddaughters; Olivia’s performances in musical theater, he enjoyed her lead roles in the ICS and Delbarton shows and Vivienne’s performances in ballet but he always looked forward to her roles in The Clinton Nutcracker. 

James will be forever missed by his beloved wife Beverly Ann Smith, his daughter Deidre Marie Smith-Terpin, Son in Law Scott, granddaughter Olivia Isablle Terpin, granddaughter Vivienne James Terpin, sister, Ellen Smith-Johnston, sister Ann Marie Tessin, brother Charles L. Smith, as well as many sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces and nephews. 

In keeping with Jim's wishes all service will be held privately by his family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in James’ memory may be made to James David Smith, Jr. Endowment Fund care of the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center, 475 South Street, Morristown NJ 07960.