James Smith

James Robert Smith, beloved artist and educator, passed away on March 24, 2025, at the age of 75.

Jim was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut to Clarence and Laura Smith. He grew up in Milford, Connecticut, where he attended Lenox Avenue Grade School and graduated from Jonathan Law High school in 1970. He graduated from The University of the Cumberlands in 1975.

After graduation, Jim began his teaching career at a private high school in Litchfield, Connecticut before moving to Florida. Settling in Jacksonville, he found his true calling in teaching Art at The Bolles School, where he taught for more than 40 years. Jim's unique ability to connect with his students and foster their creative growth earned him several Ottenstroer Fellowships. He was also the winner of the Memphis Wood Excellence in Teaching Award.

Jim Smith's artistic legacy also lives on through his art, which includes public works at the Jacksonville Library Main Branch, and sculptures located at the Bolles School's Stein Fine Arts Center and at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church, where he was a long-time member.

Jim also left his artistic mark overseas, with a 2013 exhibition of his work in Nantes, France. While there he made time to teach an art class for American and French exchange students. Additionally, he once served as a guest lecturer for Oxbridge Academic Programs in Paris.

Jim is predeceased by his father, Clarence Lester Smith, and his mother, Laura W. Smith. His family survivors include his brother and sister-in-law, Lester and Patrica Smith of Walton Kentucky; his sister, Judy Mattews of Novi, Michigan; nieces Rebecca Smith of Walton, Kentucky, Samantha Heenan of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Kelly Mattews of Kalamazoo, Michigan; and his nephew, Michael Pallone of New Haven, Connecticut, as well as several grandnieces and grandnephews. He is also survived by countless "art children" and chosen "school and art family" members.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church on Friday, April 25th at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's memory made be made to The Bolles School Fine Arts Department, Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church, or the PFLAG of Jacksonville Scholarship Fund.