Greenfield Center, NY - James Aloysius Smith Jr. passed away with his family at his side at Saratoga Hospital on April 8, 2015. He celebrated his 94th birthday this past Easter Sunday. Born on April 5, 1921 in Wallington, NJ, he lived in Passaic, NJ during his earlier years, then moved with his family to Greenfield Center where he resided for the remainder of his life. Jim was married to the love of his life, Rosemary Bruchac, for 65 years. They resided on Middle Grove Road in Greenfield Center in the home he built for them. Son of the late Anna (Petrick) and James A. Smith Sr., he is survived by his two children and their families: Kathy (Smith) and Terry Ryfa, their daughter Carlee (Ryfa), her husband Zack Lobdell and their son Hudson James and Jim and Paula Smith and their daughter, Amelia. He is also survived by his brothers and sister: Theresa Sullivan, Tom Smith Sr., and Vincent Smith Sr. and many nieces and nephews. Jim was a Corporal in the US Marine Corps and served with the 3rd Marine Division in Company B Tank Battalion. He served in four campaigns in the South Pacific during World War vTwo, on the islands of Guam, Iwo Jima, Guadalcanal and Bougainville. As an Iwo Jima survivor, he wore his red hat proudly throughout his entire life. Jim worked at the International Paper Company for over 37 years. He was a lifelong member and former Captain of the Greenfield Fire House #1 was a member of the SPA Marine Corps League Detachment #641. A Third Degree member of Saratoga Council 246 Knights of Columbus, he was a Life member of Saratoga Assembly 745 Fourth Degree and served for many years with their color corps. He also served on the Parish Council at St. Joseph's Church as well as the Planning Board in Greenfield Center. Besides working at IP, Jim entertained with his band for over 50 years, initially the 3 S's then The Frontiermen and during these years was a member of the Saratoga Musicians Union Local #506. In his later years, he joined the Western Music Association on the west coast. Rose and Jim made an annual trip to Arizona for that festival to spend a week with those who enjoyed the Sons of the Pioneers music genre. For over 50 years, Jim entertained seniors at both the Saratoga Hospital Nursing Home and the Home of Good Shepherd in Saratoga Springs as recently as this past November. His lifelong enjoyment of hunting was an annual tradition, first with his brother Vince, then at the Gooley Club with his brother-in-law Joseph Bruchac Jr. along with many other friends. Opening day with his son Jim was always a highlight and many a story came from these outings. A member of the Senior Citizens Center of Saratoga Springs, Jim has made many dear friends during the lunches at the center. A member of the Greenfield Historical Society, he brought many stories to his group of fellow friends and historians. He was also a welcomed entertainer for gatherings at the Ndakinna Center. To say that Jim was a social person is an understatement. He was happiest and at his best when surrounded by people - talking, entertaining, reminiscing and simply enjoying everyone's company. Jim's love of humanity and social acumen connected him to so many people over the course of his long life. We know that it was these exchanges and friendships that added to his rich soul and we are certain that he left his fingerprint on many a heart and mind across generations. Relatives and friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8pm Friday, April 10, 2015 in St. Joseph's Church, 3159 Route 9N, Greenfield Center and also from 10 to 11:30am Saturday in the church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12noon Saturday in the church and burial with full military honors will follow in the family plot at St. Peter's Cemetery, Saratoga Springs. Memorials may be made in his name to the Wounded Warrior Battalion USMC (woundedwarriorregiment.org), Saratoga Columbian Association (K of C), 50 Pine Rd. at Washington St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or to the Greenfield Fire District, PO Box 103, Greenfield Center, NY 12833. Members of the K of C will meet Friday at 7pm at church for services Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.