James J. Smart

James J. Smart of Mayfair passed away peacefully on April 3, 2020 at home with family. He was 93. 

Loving husband of 63 years to Marie E. Smart who passed just 3 weeks ago at age 87. Devoted father of James J. Jr. (Maryanne), William (Stacey), Maureen Crosby (James), Rita Marinari (Dominic), and Carol Schwab (Ryan). Loving grandfather of Anne Marie Kauler (Eric), Theresa Velasquez (Marty), Joseph Smart (Larissa), Catherine Hill (Jon), Marybeth Buesching (Juergen), J. Christopher Smart, Jennifer Smart, Lauren Smart, Kelly Delisi (Derek), Patricia Czyzewski (Korye), James Crosby, Katherine Ogin (Mat), Christina Marinari, Dominic Marinari, Erin Schwab, Alyssa Schwab and Ryan Schwab; great grandfather of 15. Loving brother to Nancy Chamberlain, the late Rita Waters, and the late William Smart.

Jim was good man, strong, proud, kind, honest, a true salt of the earth kind of guy. He was born March 23, 1927 to Mary and James Smart. He spent his early years in West Philadelphia where he helped care for is younger brother Bill, two sisters Rita and Nancy and cousin Joe who came to live with them at an early age. He attended and received his diploma in 1945 from St Thomas More HS (“St. Tommy forever More” were words that Jim spoke often) He enlisted in the US Navy in May 1945, during World War II.     He was honorably discharged in August 1946 and returned home to West Philadelphia where he took advantage of the GI bill, enrolled in a 2 year program and attended   St Joseph’s University to continue his education.


After college it was time to get to work and so Jim signed on to work at a local print shop where he worked as a pressman for a couple of years until he was able to secure a position with Finnaren and Haley Paints. Here he learned all about paints and painting. He became a professional house painter which became a lucrative side-business throughout his adult life.

Jim met his beloved Marie on a blind date, they eventually married on May 5, 1956. During their courtship he decided to become a Philadelphia firefighter and enrolled in the Fire Academy. He graduated in 1955 beginning a 35-year career as a firefighter and EMT Paramedic with the rescue squad.

In January of 1958 James Jr. was born, then Bill in ‘59, Maureen in ’60 followed by Rita in ‘64 and finally Carol in 1967. Jim loved his kids and stayed very active in their lives. He worked tirelessly to make certain that they could attend the best schools that would provide opportunities for bright futures for them all.   Jim also loved to play... ! He enjoyed the trotters up at Keystone racetrack, professional sporting events, golf, drive-in movies, and pretty much any outdoor activity. Many summers were spent up in Bucks County at the Penn Warner club where he had a small lot he called “his little slice of life”! It was here that he enjoyed quality time with friends and family. He taught the kids how to swim, boat, fish, and camp but most of all how to be independent.  By the time the 1990’s rolled around Jim had retired, and was enjoying his summer home in Ocean City, NJ.   With all the kids married, and the grandchildren coming along, soon Jim was able to start the whole cycle over again with his grandchildren and even his great-grandchildren whom he adored and who adored him!

Jim lived a long, full life, he will be missed by all.  May he rest in peace now!

Rite of Committal at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, will be private.   A Memorial Service for Relatives and Friends will be planned in the future.

In lieu of flowers, Donations in Jim’s memory to St. Thomas More Alumni Association can be sent to STMAA, P.O. Box 294, Drexel Hill, PA 19026 or St. Matthew Church 3000 Cottman Ave.  Phila, PA 19149


John F. Fluehr & Sons, Inc.

Funeral Home Serving Families Since 1898

3301 Cottman Avenue
Philadelphia PA 19149

215-624-5150
215-624-3302

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