NEW SHARON — James W. Smith, 84, of New Sharon, passed away quietly in the home of his ancestors and the room he was born in, early Saturday, June 4.

He was born Jan. 13, 1927, to Frank H. and Lena Abby Works Smith in New Sharon. He was a life long dairy farmer with his brother, Albert, who predeceased him by only four months. He was educated in the schools of New Sharon, graduating in 1944.

In August of that same year, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served 14 months at the end of World War II stationed in Trieste, Italy and Pula (a town now in Croatia).

On Aug. 21, 1960, he married Hazel Baud in Farmington and enjoyed 39 years, until her passing in 1999. James served 47 years as a selectman of the town he loved as well as various positions on the library board, cemetery association, Historical Society, Masons Lodge and Congregational Church.

James is survived by three children, Frank, Ben and Robert; Frank’s stepdaughters, Heather and Ally; Ben’s wife, Kim and their son and grampa’s special pal, Bradley; sister, Ruby and sister-in-law, Miriam; and many nieces, nephews, neighbors, friends; and Ralph, the cat.

The family would especially like to thank Don and Mr. Whoopie for standing vigil with us in these last days. God bless you both.

Those wishing may send condolences to the family at www.adamsmcfarlane.com.