James C. Smith

Binghamton: James C. Smith, age 56, of Binghamton, passed away Saturday afternoon after a brief but exhausting battle with cancer. Surrounded by his family and close friends, James left our world to watch over us from Heaven. Jim was predeceased by his grandparents, Elvira and Thorold Smith Sr., and Pauline and John Lucey. He is survived by his wife, Debra; two children, Jarod and Kaitlyn; two stepdaughters, Kristin and P.J., Tiffany; step-grandson, Alec; and his beloved pets, Callie and Chez. He is also survived by his mother and father, Janet Marie Smith and Thorold Smith Jr.; and stepmother, Janet L. Smith; siblings, Cheryl, Scott, Jodi, Wendy, and Corey; and step-siblings, Jessica and Justin; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Jim graduated from Chenango Valley High School in 1973 and went on to continue his studies at Broome Community College. He worked as the Director of Customer Service at Maines Paper and Food Service Inc. Jim was a wonderful husband, son, father, brother, and friend to so many people. He is best known as a drummer who had a life filled with music. As a member of many well-known area bands, most recently Rooster and The Roadhouse Horns, Jim entertained people for decades and will be dearly missed by his fellow band members and fans. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 13, 2012, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1031 Chenango St., Hillcrest. Burial will follow at South Street Cemetery in Triangle. The family will receive friends at Wm. R. Chase & Son Funeral Home, 737 Chenango St., Port Dickinson on Thursday from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Those wishing to make a donation in his honor should do so to the Broome Humane Society, 1946 Route 12 in Binghamton, NY 13901 (www.bchumanesoc.com) or the American Cancer Society , 13 Beech Street, Johnson City, NY 13790 (www.cancer.org).