James Norman Smith

James Norman Smith, age 54, passed away in the Rose Monahan Hospice House in Worcester, Massachusetts on Thursday, December 13, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.  Born in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania on August 8, 1964, he was the son of James S. and Delores J. (Rogers) Smith.  Jim was raised in Murrysville, Pennsylvania, where at a young age he learned to ice skate and later how to play hockey.  He went on to play hockey at the Franklin Regional High School, before graduating with the Class of 1982.  Following graduation, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy, proudly serving his country.

 

Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, Jim settled in Boston, Massachusetts and began taking classes at the University of Massachusetts at Boston.  He took a sales position with Clair Acura on Route 1 in Walpole, frequenting the Breakfast Corner in Ashmont Plaza.  It was at the Breakfast Corner that he met his soon to be wife, Susan Manning, while she was working there as a waitress in 1990.  They were married two years later on December 5, 1992, initially making their home in Norwood before settling in Franklin a year later.  Jim moved on from Clair Acura, taking a position with Allied Electronics in Wrentham, where he spent 10 years. 

 

In his off time, Jim loved playing the guitar and following his favorite Pittsburg sports teams.  Jim enjoyed staying active as well, playing hockey in a men’s league into his early thirties and taking on any project around his home that required attention.  Most of all, Jim loved spending time with his family and friends.  As a devoted father, he attended all of his daughter’s sports competitions and activities. 

 

Beloved husband of Susan A. M. (Manning) Smith.

Loving father of Catherine A. M. Smith and Hanna J.L. Smith both of Franklin.

Devoted son of Delores Jean (Rogers) Smith of Murrysville, Pennsylvania and the late James Stedman Smith.

Brother of Robert D. Smith of Boca Raton, Florida.

Brother in law of Jamey Manning and his wife Carol of Natick and Sally Langis and her husband John of Franklin.

Cherished uncle of Emily Smith, Lindsey Smith, Andrew Manning, Alyssa Manning, Jack Langis, and Ryan Langis. 

 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Jim’s Life Celebration on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 from 4 to 8 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.  Funeral services and interment will be private at the request of the family.  IN lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 1500 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 or at www.pancan.org