James McLean Smith

Died May 14, 2020 in Yorba Linda California.James McLean Smith was born on January 5, 1938 in Glasgow Scotland to David Ross Smith, II and Mary McGhee Smith (Née Jennett).As a child, James developed a passion for football, usually playing the position of right wing.After leaving school at the age of 14, he served an apprenticeship at Howden’s Ltd in the shipyards of Glasgow and became a machinistHe served in the British Army as a Lance Corporal of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers. His MOS was Heavy Machine Gunner. He led an 8 man squad that operated a water-cooled .303 Vickers Heavy Machine Gun. He also played on the football team of the K.O.S.B. 1st Battalion. As a result, he traveled throughout Europe with the team. Upon leaving the army, James married his wife of 58 years, Thelma Frances Smith (Née MacNeill). James and Thelma then immigrated to the United States in 1964.James worked as a machinist at the Ford plant in Cleveland Ohio. He witnessed the first production of the 1964 1/2 Mustang.James became a Brother at the Lake Erie Lodge Number 662 F&AM, Cleveland, Ohio. In 1967 James and Thelma moved to Los Angeles, California. James worked in the machine shop of the Los Angeles Times for 32 years.James loved football and was a lifelong supporter of Glasgow Rangers F.C..James belonged to the La Habra Chess Club where he played in hundreds of Tournaments. He won a handful of first place prizes.In addition to chess, James enjoyed golf, camping and reading history books.

James was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Thelma, his son David Ross Smith, III and his wife Annie, his daughter Diane Mary Van and her husband Michael and his grandchildren Colleen, Ian, Megan & Alyssa.