James W. Smith
June 26, 1944—April 1, 2012
Jim Smith passed away suddenly Sunday, April 1, 2012 at his home in Friday Harbor, Washington.
Jim’s boat trips to the San Juan Islands inspired him to move to Friday Harbor in the early ’80s. His ownership of the Discovery Inn allowed him to be in a setting he found magical and inspirational for both he and his family.
While his life and entrepreneurial pursuits took him to many parts of the world, he loved the islands more than any other place.
Jim will always be remembered for his great zest for life, learning and adventure. His greatest passions were his family and flying.
Often described as a Renaissance man, he had an artistic spirit and loved to read and philosophize. His appetite for knowledge and technology was insatiable.
At various stages of his life he was inspired to create music, paintings and photography. His many talents, interests and hobbies were diverse and ranged from motorcycles and boats, to skiing and scuba diving.
Born and raised in Idaho, Jim graduated from Idaho Falls High School and attended the University of Idaho. He graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in architecture and a Master of Science in structural engineering. He graduated summa cum laude.
He was courageous, generous, kind and loved to help others. He was dearly loved by all his family and friends and will be forever missed.
His loving and devoted parents, Tom and Mildred Smith, preceded Jim in death.
He is survived by his wife, Beth, his daughters and their husbands; Heather Smith and Russell Normann, and Kim and Chris Gabriel; his son and his wife, Tony and Lynn Rogers, his brother and his wife, Dennis and Donna Smith, his sister and her husband, Vivian and Ken Little, and his many grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Friday, April 6 at 5 p.m., at the Westwind Aviation Hanger, Friday Harbor Airport.
To share memories of Jim please visit: http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/JamesWSmith/homepage.aspx
Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Anacortes, Wash. and the San Juan Islands.
— Family of Jim Smith
