James Russell Smith 6/25/1938 - 4/29/2023

James Russell Smith (1938-2023) was born in Glendale, California on June 25, 1938. He graduated from Glendale High School and UC Santa Barbara. His parents were Russell C. Smith and Blanche I. Smith, formerly of Kansas City. He married his wife Susan Freitag in 1961 in La Canada, CA. They moved to the Sacramento area where he taught 8th and 9th grade science at Foothill Junior and Senior High for 30 years. In 1970 they moved to Meadow Vista with their two boys, Aaron and Norman. Jim and the boys enjoyed fishing the ponds on the property together, and caught trout at high altitude lakes of the Sierra Nevada's when they went backpacking. Gardening was another activity the family loved to do together as well as Christmas tree farming. Endurance bicycling was another hobby of Jim's that was also shared with his boys. After retirement Jim and Susan enjoyed traveling together in Canada and all around the United States. In 2005 Jim and Susan moved to South Auburn where she currently resides. Jim is survived by his wife of 62 years, Susan, sons Aaron (Amy) of West Sacramento and Norman (Christina) of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, grandchildren Emily (Derek) Johnstone of Smyrna, Tennessee and Ian of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his parents, and close relatives Aunt Nita and Uncle Harry Nichols. He enjoyed many close friendships of neighbors and friends. The interment will be private. Memorial donations can be sent to Partners in Care Hospice at 560 Wall Street Suite F, Auburn CA 95603 in his memory.