Obituary of James Leason Smith

James L. Smith of East Rochester passed away on January 3, 2020 at age 66. Predeceased by father, Robert; brother-in-law, Gary Jones. Survived by mother, Jean; loving wife of 44 years, Kathy; children, Jennifer Tipton, Jean Elmore, James Jr. (Megan), John; grandchildren, Nathan Smith, Casidy Ingro, Gabriel, Tryniti, and Robbie Elmore, Jakob and Jarod Tipton, Phil Cutter, Josh Wood-Smith; siblings, Barbara Jones, Beverly (Fred) Metz, Douglas (Lisa) Smith; many nieces, nephews and cousins. James Smith was born in Rochester, NY and raised in East Rochester where he graduated from high school in 1972. He served proudly in the United States Air Force for 20 years from 1975-1995 and was stationed throughout Europe and the United States. Once retired from the service he returned to western New York where he began to work as a technician manager for various telecoms across the northeast. After his military service ended he still always felt the need to serve his country and community so he became a volunteer firefighter for the towns of Farmington, NY and Middleton, NY. James was a member of the American Legion of East Rochester post 1917. He was a loyal and proud patriot of the United States but more so than that was his dedication to his family, especially his loving wife of 44 years with whom he had planned to renew their vows this coming March. James will be deeply and forever missed by all those who knew him. A Graveside Service will be held Sunday January 10, 2021 at 11AM at White Haven Memorial Park, 2010 Marsh Road, Pittsford. Those wishing may direct donations to The American Heart Association or the Fragile X Foundation in his memory. Those wishing to view the Graveside Service are invited to join a Zoom meeting at the following link: Join Zoom Meeting https://us05web.zoom.us/j/85165448637?pwd=RER4Vk1hS250Mnp5N0g3cGxJOGFiQT09 Meeting ID: 851 6544 8637 Passcode: 18hWJc