James (J.R.) Smith

MEDUSA, NY — James R. (J.R.) Smith, 62, of Medusa, NY, passed away on Jan. 22, 2009, at his home after a long battle with cancer.  He graduated from Troy High School in 1963. Upon graduation, he joined the Aviation Branch of the U.S. Navy, spending three tours of duty in the combat zone of Viet Nam with Helicopter Squadron 8. He was a decorated Navy man and proud that he served his country.  After leaving the Navy he went to work for the Watervliet Arsenal. In 1967 he went to work for Penn Central Railroad, Conrail and CSX retiring as a sheet metal worker after 35 years in March of 2006.  Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman loving the outdoors. He was an active member of the American Legion Post 1 and a member of the Sheet Metal Workers International Association for 35 years.  He leaves behind his best friend and wife, Nancy J. (Mastrosimone) Smith, who he was very proud of and a daughter, Juli R. Smith, both of Medusa; his boys, Brian P. Lawler (Kristen), Kevin S. Lawler (Amory). He was Grand Pappy to Samuel D., Morgan K., Derik S. and Ethan P. Lawler. Also surviving is a sister, Holly Jo Bearor of Schroon Lake; nephews Clifford and Theodore Bearor; a brother Berton Smith Jr. of Rensselaer; and numerous other nephews and nieces.  Service by the Greenville American Legion Post 291 will be Monday at 8 p.m. at the A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 SR81, Greenville, NY. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday 4 to 8 p.m. prior to the service. Those who desire may contribute in his memory to the U.S.O or to the Disabled American Vets. The family would like to thank the Albany County Sheriff’s Dept. and the New York State Police for their professionalism at the family’s time of need.