James Samuel Smith

Merrimac, MA – James Samuel Smith, 87, of Merrimac, Massachusetts passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, July 26, 2026. He was born in Plaistow, New Hampshire, on July 17, 1939, to the late Theodore and Nancy (Priest) Smith. Jim was raised in Haverhill, Massachusetts, and graduated from Haverhill Trade School. He began his career at Essex Sign, where he worked for five years before partnering with Charles O'Connor to establish C & J Signs. The business later became Sign Center, Inc., where Jim built a successful career until his retirement in the early 2000s after selling the company. A dedicated member of his community, Jim belonged to the Merrimac Lions Club and volunteered with the Haverhill Chamber of Commerce. Throughout the years, he served on the finance board of the Merrimac Savings Bank. He served on the Merrimac Fire Department for over 20 years. He was a long-time member of Merrimac Santa Parade Committee and participated in minstrel and variety shows that benefited the parade committee. He was a member of The National Sign Committee. He also served as chairman of the New Hampshire Governor's Council on Literacy. He was an active member of the Main Street Congregational Church and served as an active member on the Board of Trustees. He was an active volunteer at Our Neighbor’s Table for over 16 years and also served on their Board of Trustees. Jim proudly served his country as a Staff Sergeant in the National Guard. In his free time, he enjoyed golfing and cherished the friendships he made both on and off the course. In his retirement he discovered watercolor painting and became very proficient. He was an extremely creative and talented man. Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia (Hoyt) Smith; his daughter Tamie Trainor and her husband Ralph (Buddy) of Merrimac, Massachusetts. His son James Smith and his wife, Heather, of North Carolina; his sister, Cheryl Williams of Maryland; his brother, Harry R. Smith of Methuen, Massachusetts; his beloved grandchildren and his cherished great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by his brother, David Smith, his sister, Lois Glassman, his sister Karen Murray. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 10:00 am at Main Street Congregational Church 145 Main Street Amesbury, Massachusetts. Burial will follow at Locust Grove Cemetery in Merrimac. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

James Samuel Smith

July 17, 1939 - July 26, 2026