Obituary of Dr. James M. Smith, Jr.

Dr. James Milton Smith, Jr., (Jim), 78, of Frankfort, Kentucky, passed away on Thursday, February 4, 2016, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born on April 13, 1937, in Louisa, Lawrence County, Kentucky, and was the eldest child of Dr. James M. Smith, Sr. and Louise (Grant) Smith. He graduated from Louisa High School as valedictorian of the Class of 1955. For his undergraduate studies, he attended Washington and Lee University and received his Bachelor of Science degree from Marshall University. At the conclusion of his graduate studies at the University of Kentucky, he was selected as a member of the inaugural class of the university’s College of Dentistry. Following in his father’s footsteps, he received his Doctor of Dental Medicine in May 1966. In June 1961, Jim married Nancey Belle Edmonds in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. Upon his graduation from dental school, they made their home in Frankfort, and Jim established his dental practice. He practiced general dentistry for over 32 years, retiring in 1998. During his career, he served as a member of the Kentucky Board of Dentistry (1975-1983) and as president (1977-78). In 1981, he was elected president of the Southern Regional Testing Agency, the organization responsible for licensing dentists in four states, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and Arkansas. He was active in professional organizations including the Bluegrass Dental Society and the Kentucky and American Dental Associations. His professional contributions were recognized by his colleagues with his selection as a Fellow of the International College of Dentists, the world’s oldest and largest honor society for dentists, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy, an honorary dental service organization. Following his retirement, Jim served as a trusted advisor for the Slemp Foundation, a private foundation established to improve the health, education, and welfare of Lee and Wise County Virginia residents or their descendants. Most recently, Jim served as a member of the Advisory Board of the Frankfort Salvation Army. Jim is survived by his wife of 55 years, Nancey; son Jim (Kelly) Smith of Lexington, Kentucky; daughter, Melissa (Alex) Jensen of Frankfort, Kentucky; and two loving granddaughters, Melissa Ann Smith and Virginia Elizabeth Sircy. He is also survived by three siblings, Professor Gary R. Smith (Janie) of Atlanta, Georgia; Mr. Sherrill G. Smith (Ruth) of Frankfort, Kentucky; Mrs. Sharon E. Pauley (Rodney) of Louisa, Kentucky; and his extended family including an aunt, several cousins, nephews, and nieces. Jim will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle who was considered by his family as an elder statesman figure who always seemed genuinely interested in learning about the latest accomplishments of even the youngest members of his clan. Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 6, from 2-4 PM at the South Frankfort Presbyterian Church, followed by a memorial service at 4 PM. Burial will take place on Sunday, February 7, 2 PM at the Slemp Family Cemetery in Turkey Cove, Virginia. Donations in his honor may be made to Hospice of the Bluegrass or The Salvation Army.