James R. Smith

COLEBROOK, NH — James R. Smith, 82, of Colebrook, passed away peacefully at his home on Oct. 4, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. He had a long and courageous battle with cancer, showing just how tough a Marine he was. Born in Boston on Nov. 21, 1935, James, locally known as Jim or Smitty, was raised on the north shore of Boston, where he developed an interest in boating and fishing. He was the son of Edward A. and Clare M. (Leblanc) Smith, and a graduate of Wakefield High School and Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts. In 1953, while a senior in high school, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. After serving in the Marine Corps, he went to work for Neil Tillotson at The Balsams in Dixville Notch, doing grounds maintenance. While there, he assisted in the design and construction of the Coashaukee nine-hole golf course near the hotel, and the construction and operation of the Wilderness Ski Area. In 1960, Jim met and fell in love with Marie L. Caouette. They married in 1962, started a family, bought an old farm on Roaring Brook Road, and began rebuilding it. In 1971, Jim went to work on his own, doing carpentry and remodeling. In his spare time, he and Marie and his young family built a new barn, filled it with cows and began shipping milk, continuing throughout the early 80s. Jim continued doing renovations and cabinet work and left his mark in many homes all over the north country. Jim enjoyed fishing, boating, camping, gardening, and being outdoors. He was an active member of the Colebrook Kiwanis Club for 28 years, a life member of the Marine Corps Association, one of the first selectmen of Dixville, Deputy Fire Warden of Dixville and Colebrook since 1965, and a longtime member of the American Legion. He leaves behind his loving wife, Marie, of 56 years; two sons, Daniel Smith and his wife Jodi of Colebrook, and Budd Smith of West Burke, Vt.; two daughters, Beverly White of Columbia and Donna Stone and husband Greg of Colebrook; as well as many grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and a wide circle of extended family members and friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Arnold R. Smith of Missouri, and infant twin girls, Ann and Amy Smith. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mr. Smith can be made to The Colebrook Kiwanis Foundation, P.O. Box 241, Colebrook, NH 03576. Calling hours will be held on Oct. 11, 2018, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook. A funeral service, officiated by The Rev. Timothy Brooks, will take place at the Monadnock Congregational Church in Colebrook on Friday, Oct. 12 at 11 a.m. Burial, with military honors, will immediately follow at the Colebrook Village Cemetery on Rt. 3, and a Celebration of Life at Mohawk Falls will follow the interment. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home, Colebrook, NH.

James R. Smith

November 21, 1935 - October 4, 2018