Fort Edward

James Vale Smith, 58, of Argyle Street, passed away on Saturday October 15, 2016 at his home with his loving family by his side.

Born on February 2, 1958 in Glens Falls, NY he was the son of Esther Marie (Thayer) Smith and the late, Robert Leonard Smith.

James attended high school in Fort Ann. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving his country for 17 years.

On May 9, 1987, Jim married the love of his life, Rebecca Sue Brayman at the American Legion Post 574 and they spent 29 loving years together.

Jim was very crafty and enjoyed woodworking. He loved camping, riding his motorcycle, hunting and fishing. Most of all, he cherished the time he spent with his three children, his dog “buddy” and his two cats.

Jim was a U.S. Navy Seabee from his early twenties until his retirement in 2004. In recent years he took an active role as the Seabee’s Chaplain and was a member of the Adirondack Freedom Riders R.C.

In addition to his father, Jim is predeceased by his brothers, Robert and John Smith; his father in law, Wayne Tanner; his sister in law, Brenda Brayman; and two brothers in law, Sunny Stamper and Pat Coulbetti.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Rebecca Smith; daughter, Amanda Smith; sons, James and Michael Smith; his mother, Esther Marie Smith; mother in law, Dorothy Tanner; sisters, Donna Stamper, Connie Coulbetti, Brenda LaCross and her husband, Dave and Debbie Mahoney and her husband, Richard; brother, Ronnie Smith; sisters in law, Wanda Huntington, Teresa Kanaley and her husband, Bert, Nancy Hunt and her husband, Brian, and Stephanie Floutin; brothers in law, Stephen Brayman Jr. and James Brayman; Lily, Molly, Leah and James, whom he thought of as his grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call from 2-4 pm on Wednesday October 19, 2016 at the M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 82 Broadway Fort Edward, NY 12828. To view Jim’s Book of Memories and to post online condolences, please visit www.kilmerfuneralhome.com.

A funeral service will be conducted following calling hours at 4pm at the funeral home.

Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations in Jim’s name can be made to the Adirondack Vets House Inc. 26 Pine St. Glens Falls, NY 12801.

The family invites everyone to come for a light reception at the Hudson Falls American Legion, Pearl St. Hudson Falls.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Vale Smith, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

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