LTJG JAMES M. SMITH, JR., USN

Class 1946

Born August 1, 1924

Died April 13, 1951

Age 26

Hometown Lockport, Illinois

Lucky Bag Yearbook

From the 1946 Lucky Bag:

James McKinnon Smith, Jr.

Leaving the indifferent civilian days in Lockport and the “accent” at Harvard, Jim quickly adjusted himself to the ways and means of the Navy. When not running cross-country, this auburn-haired Illinois native was usually indulging in his favorite recreation, sailing. Jim particularly enjoyed the social life and rarely missed a hop or a show. A certain letter, a White Sox victory, and a little chow made any day bright for him. If Jim makes good his ambition, the future will see him skippering his own carrier.

The Class of 1946 was graduated in June 1945 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.

Loss

James was lost on April 13, 1951 when his plane crashed at Corpus Christi, Texas.

Other Information

From researcher Kathy Franz:

James was a member of the Class of 1941 at Lockport High School. In 1938 he was vice president of his class. His father was a high school superintendent; his mother was Mary.

He was survived by his wife, Katherine, daughter Sandra (5), son Roderick (3), and parents. His wife’s passing was reported in the December 1976 issue of Shipmate.

James is buried in California.

Photographs

Oliver Johnson ‘46, McFaddin Moise ‘46, and Kenneth Wade ‘46 were also members of 5th Company.

Class of 1946

James is one of 36 members of the Class of 1946 on Virtual Memorial Hall.