Coach James Grieve Smith Sr.

Coach James Grieve Smith Sr. age 85, of Churchville, MD, died on January 1, 2011 at Citizens Care Center in Havre de Grace, MD. Born in Camden, NJ, he was the son of the late James and Elsie M. Smith. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served our country during WWII in C Company, 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment. During the Battle of the Bulge he was awarded several medals of honor: a Purple Heart and Bronze Stars. He was awarded the Silver Star on October 20, 1998 in Washington, DC from Senator Bob Dole for his gallantry in action for saving the life of Mr. John Erdman. He graduated from Temple University with a BS in Education and earned a Master's in Education through West Virginia University. A resident of Harford County since 1950, he retired with 30 years in public education where he taught physical education and coached a variety of sports at North Harford High School and Aberdeen High School through 1970. As a coach he believed in leading by example. During the early 70's, Jim was vice principal at Edgewood Middle School and later, completed his career as a Supervisor of Transportation. In the early 1980's, he was head of Harford County Parks and Recreation and was part owner/manager of Chesapeake Racquetball Club in Aberdeen. He later enjoyed working at Jones Junction selling and transporting cars. Believing in caring for the environment, Jim participated in the Adopt A Road program and maintained Cool Branch Road for ten years. Jim was a member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church where he loved singing in the choir. He was also an avid gardener and bird watcher.

Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Anna Mischkulnig Smith of Churchville, MD; son, James Grieve Smith Jr. and wife, Diane P., of Abingdon, MD; daughters, Allyn Ann Watson of Churchville, MD and Susan Smith Hopkins and husband, Timothy N., of Darlington, MD; brother Alan H. Smith of West Chester, PA; niece, Dr. Adelina Smith of Rosemont, PA; sister-in-law, Frances Louise Doney and husband, Henry E., of Ithaca, NY; grandchildren, Matthew and Kathryn Watson, Ryan and Joshua Smith and Melissa Wetters, James and Margaret E. Hopkins; and great-grandchildren, David J. Smith, Olivia and Travis Watson, and Madelyn Wetters. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, David S. Smith.

Pallbearers will be James Grieve Smith Jr., Joshua A. Smith, Ryan J. Smith, Matthew W. Watson, James N. Hopkins, and Timothy N. Hopkins.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Aberdeen High School Athletics, In Memory of Jim Smith, attn: Mrs. Lawrence, 251 Paradise Road, Aberdeen, MD 21001 or Boys and Girls Club of Harford County, 100 E. Bel Air Avenue, Aberdeen, MD 21001.