James R. Smith, 88, of Delhi, passed away Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026 at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown.
Born Aug. 14, 1938 in Walton, James was the son of the late Robert B. and Dorothy (Budine) Smith.
He was married to Barbara C. (Culver) Smith on March 9, 1963, a union that lasted 43 years until her passing in 2006.
James owned and operated Smith Haven Dairy for nearly 30 years, taking over the family dairy in 1969.
He enjoyed the outdoors and often could be found hunting. He also enjoyed watching baseball, cheering on the NY Mets and traveling to watch the Little League World Series. James liked to try his luck at OTB and enjoyed wintering in Florida for over two decades, where he seldom missed a day walking in the pool. He also enjoyed family get-togethers at the pavilion overlooking his pond, often hosting family reunions and special gatherings.
Besides his parents and his wife, James was predeceased by a grandson Jesse Jordan in 1997, and his faithful cocker spaniels Freckles and Buffy.
He is survived by his children Jacqueline (Scott) Jordan of Camden, South Carolina, Jeffrey (Teena) Smith of Chesapeake, Virgina and James M. (Valerie) Smith of Lexington Park, Maryland; seven grandchildren, Kimberly (James) Frederick, Dustin (Lindsay) Smith, Kristin (Chadd) Holmes, Brandon (Kelly) Smith, Kayla (Russell) Nelson, Kaitlyn (Gray) Blakeslee and Sarah Barrett; ten great-grandchildren; brothers William Smith and Ronald (Joyce) Smith; sister Mary Dunne; companion Lesley Ciullo; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Friends and relatives are invited to call from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, at the Hall & Peet Funeral Home, 134 Main Street, Delhi. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2, at the First Presbyterian Church, 4 Clinton Street, Delhi, followed by burial at Woodland Cemetery, Delhi. A celebration of James’s life will be held from 1-5 Wednesday, Sept. 2, at The Meredith Inn (Stonewall at the Meredith), 2406 Turnpike Road, Delhi.
In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of James can be made to the American Heart Association or the First Presbyterian Church of Delhi.
Visit www.macarthurfh.com to share a condolence with the Smith family.
