?»?LCDR James Andrew Smith was born on November 30, 1934 in Sioux City, Iowa. He is the son of Bernard and Dorothy Smith. Jim was the oldest of four children (brother Richard, sisters Kay and Sharron). He graduated from Lillis High School (1952) in Kansas City, Mo., where he played football, basketball, and golf.
After 2 years at Rockhurst College, Jim enlisted into the U.S. Navy to become a Naval Aviator. During his naval career, he flew many planes: A-4 Skyhawks,
A-1 Skyraiders, FJ-4B Fury, F-9F-8 Cougars, and A-3 Skywarriors. LCDR Smith also served aboard the USS Midway, Bon Homme Richard, Ranger, and Oriskany.
Jim married Ann Mason Harding in April of 1961 and they had four sons: David (1962), twins Patrick and Michael (1964), and Jeffrey (1966).
While stationed aboard the USS Oriskany in Heavy Attack Squadron Four (A-3's), LCDR Smith died during the onboard ship fire on October 26, 1966.