James David Smith

November 27, 1934 - April 22, 2020

Mr. James David “Jim” Smith, age 85, of Huntsville passed away April 22, 2020 at Marshall Manor Nursing Home in Guntersville, Alabama. Jim was born and raised in Thomasville, Alabama, graduating from Thomasville High School in 1953. He then graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering in 1958. He began his career in Aeronautics by working for the Army Ballistic Missile Agency at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville. He joined the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) at the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1960. Mr. Smith enjoyed a lengthy career involving many Space Programs and initiatives such as Redstone, Jupiter, Pershing, Saturn 1/1B, Saturn V, and Skylab. In addition, he spent 35 years in direct support of the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster Program and served as Chief Engineer. His greatest passion was supporting NASA’s mission of space fight while promoting and pursuing engineering excellence. Jim enjoyed boating, as well as watching and attending BAMA football games, often traveling by motorhome to games across the southeast. Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his Parents: Jasper D. and Reba Smith. He is survived by his Wife: Cynthia Smith; Children: David A. Smith, Barry J. Smith, Susan E. Lavender; Grandchildren: Steven Smith, Adam Smith, Michael Lavender, and Lauren Lavender. A graveside service will be held in Thomasville at a future date.