James Jacob Smith

James Jacob Smith, 89, of Wading River, NY, passed away on October 11, 2025 at East End Hospice. He was born on November 12, 1935 in Brooklyn, NY, to the late August & Stella (Straznitski) Smith. James loved playing baseball in the sand lots in Brooklyn. Married the love of his life Mary Giglio. He served in the United States Army from 1954-1956 in the Korean War. He owned a Television Repair Shop in Brooklyn, NY. He finally realized his dream of being a NYC Police Officer. Then worked as a Technical Engineer at the start of The David Letterman Show until he was transferred to CBS Sports where he was instrumental working Super Bowls & PGA Golf Tournaments.

He had a deep love for building & flying model planes and an extreme passion for fishing, boating & being out on the bay. Later in life he enjoyed the Carousel at the Shoppes at East Wind, St. John the Baptist Church & Pizza on Tuesdays with his best friend Joe. He was a devoted Mets Fan and was an avid Giants Fan. James was a great friend, husband, father, grandfather & great grandfather and cherished the time he spent with them.

He is survived by his three children Catherine McKnight, Marie Sufrin & James J Smith, Jr.; seven grandchildren; Michael McKnight, Jr., Stephen, Stephanie, Gregory & Christopher Smith; Joseph James and Nicolette Marie Casano; great grandchildren; Alyssa Marie, Madison Jean, Stephen James & Theresa Smith.

Viewings will take place on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, 2-4 & 6-8 at Alexander Rothwell Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Baptist in Wading River at 10am Wednesday October 15, 2025, following internment at LI National Cemetery with Military honors.

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