James A. Smith Sr.

James (Jim) A. Smith Sr., 89, long time Corning resident, passed away February 19, 2024, at Robert Packard Hospital surrounded by his children. He was the husband of the late Joanna P. Smith and the son of the late James W. and Helen Y. Smith.

Jim graduated from Corning Free Academy and Colgate University.  He began working at the Corning Building Company in 1956 and was the president from 1968-1993, working with his wife who was Secretary/Treasurer.  Two sons, James Jr. and Matthew continue to run the Corning Building company. 

Jim was an avid golfer, having won the Corning Country Club championship in four different decades, starting at age 17.  He also enjoyed fishing at his houses in Florida and at Keuka Lake.  Lately, he enthusiastically played bridge with his fellow residents at Appleridge in Horseheads.

Over the years he gave his time to Boy Scouts, was the President of the Corning Rotary Club and participated in a variety of community services.  He also served on the boards of Three Rivers Development, Norstar Bank, Northeastern Retail Lumberman’s Association, Family Service Society, Corning Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Salvation Army Advisory, Corning Country Club and YMCA.  He was also honored with Rotary’s Paul Harris Award.  Jim and Joanna jointly received the Greater Corning Area Chamber of Commerce John G. Eberenz Enterprise Award in 1991.  In addition, Jim and Joanna jointly received the Distinguished Citizen Award from the 5 Rivers Council of the Boy Scouts of America in 1995. Most of all, Jim loved his family.

Jim is survived by son James A. Smith Jr. (Nancy), daughter Kimberly S. Mryglot (Dennis), son Scott W. Smith (Margaret), and son Matthew P. Smith (Ana); grandchildren Leigh Smith Donley (Brandon), Andrew Smith, Katelin Mryglot (Evan), John Mryglot, Titus Smith, Austin Smith, great grandchildren Elliana Donley, Colton Smith, Camreigh Smith, Kellen Smith and Bryn Donley. Jim is also survived by his brother-in-law William R. Palmer (Mary) and four nieces Sarah, Lexi and Mary Elizabeth Palmer as well as Ellen Dowling Callahan. He was predeceased by Joanna, his wife of 63 years, his sister Phyllis Dowling and his daughter-in-law Nancy Lamb Smith.

The family wishes to thank the staffs at Appleridge, Visiting Angels, Bethany Manor, Corning Hospital and Robert Packard Hospital for their tremendous care and compassion.

Calling hours will be at Acly-Stover Funeral Home in Corning, NY on Friday, March 1, 2024, from 1-3pm and 5-7pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local United Way or a charity of your choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James A. Smith Sr., please visit our floral store.