James Harvey Smith

JAMES HARVEY SMITH , PhD of Tarpon Springs, FL passed away peacefully surrounded by family while in hospice care at Mease Countryside Hospital on March 8, 2023. He was 91 years young. Born on February 13,1932 to farmers Everett and Cassie Smith of Bloomington, IN, he was the 9th of 11 children. Jim graduated from IU High School and Purdue University before serving in the US Army. A lieutenant in the artillery, Jim met his wife, Joanne Cramer (WMSC) while stationed at Fort Campbell, KY. They married on June 25, 1955. In 1959, Jim received his Doctorate in Poultry Genetics from The Ohio State University. He and Joanne moved to Walpole, NH where Jim served as VP of R&D at Hubbard Farms for over 25 years. The couple welcomed their only child in 1964.

An agriculturalist, Jim was an enthusiastic gardener. Well known for his vegetables, he excelled at growing tomatoes and zucchini. From cultivating daylilies in his New Hampshire flower beds, his interests turned to desert landscaping in his later years in Florida. An avid golfer, Jim was a member of 7 country clubs during his life, serving as president of both Bellows Falls (VT) CC and Hooper CC in Walpole. His generous gift to help save Hooper from development will preserve the course for future generations. Jim also spearheaded the effort to build the Walpole Recreational Park and endowed it with funding for ongoing maintenance. Most recently, he paid to have fountains installed in two ponds at Cypress Run CC for both aeration and beautification. A fund in Jim’s honor will be established for the future beautification of the club and community.

Loving husband, father, Grandad, and uncle, Jim was a great friend to those that knew him. His admirable work-ethic was matched only by his generosity in support of the communities in which he lived and the causes he supported. Jim leaves a quiet legacy that endears and endures. Preceded by his parents and all siblings, Jim is survived by his loving wife, Joanne, daughter Vivian and her husband, granddaughter Hannah, and 25 nieces and nephews. He will be remembered both for his sense of decency and his sense of humor as well as a smile that could light up a room. Per his request, there will be no service. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers and to honor his memory, donations may be made to the Indiana 4-H Foundation, 615 W State St, W LaFayette, IN 47907; or HEP (Homeless Empowerment Program), 1120 Betty Lane, Clearwater, FL 33755.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/tampa-cremation for the Smith family.