Jim Smith passed away peacefully on Nov. 30, 2016.

Born in Harlem in 1928, he grew up in the New York metro area. Following graduation in 1946 from AB Davis High School in Mt. Vernon, he enlisted and served four years in the Marine Corps, marrying his wife Kat in 1950 while stationed at Parris Island, S.C.

Jim and Kat both worked in Washington, D.C., following his discharge, moving to Florida a few years later when he began a long and successful career in retail management for the JC Penney Company. In 1970 the family relocated to Virginia, where Jim ran the Suffolk Penney’s store until his retirement in 1986. In Suffolk he served as president of the Retail Merchants Association, was a volunteer coach for many seasons, and began a lifelong dedication to charitable work.

In 1987, he and Kat relocated to Lady Lake, Fla., where both were active volunteer members in The Villages. Jim was a well-known figure on the fairways and at the lanes there, and was involved for many years with organizing community and charity golf events. He was loved and respected by his family and friends and is truly missed.

Brothers Tommy and Robert, children Michael and Sharon, and granddaughter Amber survive Jim. A memorial service for family and friends will be held at 3 p.m. on April 8 at Beyers Funeral Home in Lady Lake, Fla.