James Eugene Smith

February 13, 1945 - June 16, 2019

James Eugene (Jim) Smith, 74, of Leesburg, Florida passed away peacefully on June 16, 2019 at The Villages Hospice House, under the loving care of his family and staff of Cornerstone Hospice. James was born on February 13, 1945 in Abbeville, South Carolina, to Rev. and Mrs. William Harold Smith. He was a graduate of La Verne College, La Verne, CA. Jim retired from the United States Navy in 1989 as a Chief Petty Officer (Radioman). After retiring from the Navy, he continued on as a Telecom Specialist with the Defense Information Systems Agency until 2005. James and his wife Diana, of 49 years, moved to Leesburg 14 years ago from Waldorf, Maryland. They enjoyed living overseas and stateside during his Naval career. He loved hosting friends and family in his home, for many meals and fellowship over the years. He is preceded in death by his father, Reverend Smith of the United Methodist Church, his brother William Herbert Smith, and his sister Yvonne Carole Downey. James is survived by his loving wife Diana of Leesburg, FL; two sons: Christopher Edward Smith( his wife Sharon Lynn) of Orlando, FL and Michael Victor Smith of Indian Head, MD; as well as his grandchildren: USMC Lance Corporal Alexander Lawrence Smith of Camp Lejeune, NC and Haley Morgan Smith of Orlando, FL. In addition he survived by his mother Mary Gault Smith, brother-in-law Steve Downey, sister-in-law Gail Smith, three nephews, one niece and several grand nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service celebrating the life of Jim will be held on Friday, June 21, 2019 at 11:00AM at Page-Theus Funeral Home, Leesburg, Florida. Interment will follow at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida with Military Honors. The family wishes to express their gratitude for the loving and caring staff at Cornerstone Hospice House in the Villages, for their professional and tender care of Jim. Online condolences may be shared by visiting the Page-Theus Funeral Home and Cremation Services at www.pagetheus.com.