James Smith

James F. Smith, 71, of Seymour, entered into eternal rest on July 24, 2011, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Audrey Yagovane Smith of 46 years. He is also survived by his cherished daughter, Laureen Smith-Arena, her husband Mario, and his devoted son Kevin Smith and his wife, Jennifer. He leaves his beloved grandchildren, Emily Arena, Erin Smith, Andrew Smith, and Jillian Arena. He is also survived by his loving sisters Lenore Smith-Aman and Elene Tong, along with her husband Robert. James was loved as a brother-in-law and an uncle to his many nieces and nephews. He was a lifelong Seymour resident. He was predeceased by his parents Bernard and Marie Smith and his beloved grandfather William Claffey, as well as his dear brother-in-law, Kenneth Aman. James was a devout communicant of St. Thomas the Apostle Church of Oxford. He served his nation in the US Coast Guard during peacetime and was a compassionate and devoted funeral home staff member of Miller Ward Funeral Home for more than fifteen years. Prior to that, he worked as a Foreman at Robertshaw of Milford. In addition, James was a past President of the Church of Good Shepherd Men's Club as well as a member of the Aurora Council #53 Knights of Columbus. He was a devoted Christian family man and friend. His sense of humor and kindness will be missed by everyone. A Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of James' life will be offered on THURSDAY, July 28 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 733 Oxford Road, Oxford, (DIRECTLY) at 10:00 am. Friends and relatives may call at the Miller-Ward Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 260 Bank Street (Rt. 67, opposite Klarides Village) Seymour, on Wednesday, July 27 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Interment in the family plot in Mountain Meadows Cemetery will be private and at the convenience of the family. Full Military Honors will be accorded following the Mass. Memorial Gifts may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or CT Hospice Homecare, 2 Trap Falls Road, Shelton, CT 06484. Previous Events Visitation JUL 27. 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (ET) Miller-Ward Funeral Home 260 Bank Street Seymour, CT 06483 Funeral Mass JUL 28. 10:00 AM (ET) St. Thomas the Apostle Church 733 Oxford Road Oxford, CT 06483