Major James P. Smyth, USMC, Ret.

James Smyth, Obituary

Major James P. Smyth, USMC, Ret. BEAUFORT, SC - Major James P. (Jim) Smyth, USMC, Retired, age 87, husband of Nellyanne (Nan) Smyth, died Monday, July 9, 2012 at the home of his daughter, Kathleen. He donated his body to the MUSC Anatomical Gift Program. Born August 29, 1924 in Connellsville, PA, he was the son of the late William Lawrence and Margaret Jeffries Smyth. Jim and Nan were married July 11, 1952 in Beaufort, SC. He was a 1946 graduate of Colgate University where he attended school on a football scholarship and was a veteran of World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam. Following his retirement from the U.S. Marine Corps in 1970, he moved to Beaufort, SC and became a teacher and guidance counselor at Beaufort Junior High. He retired from the Beaufort County School system as an Assistant Principal at Battery Creek High School in 1989. In the 20 years following his retirement from the school system he was the recipient of countless hugs, smiles and tributes from his former students. He loved and was loved deeply. He was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church and enjoyed golf, gardening and animals. He had a beautiful tenor voice. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Nan Smyth, five children, James P. Smyth, Jr., William L. Smyth, Kelley S. Kays, Kathleen S. Duncan and Andrew T. Smyth, all of South Carolina; twelve grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Rita Ross of Connellsville, PA and Margaret A. Palmer of King of Prussia, PA. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 20, 2012 at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Beaufort, SC. Memorials may be made to St Peter's Catholic Church or School, 70 Lady's Island Drive, Beaufort, SC 29907 or to the SC Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, 4124 Clemson Blvd, Suite L, Anderson, SC 29621. Cards may be sent to 1745 Mulmar Street, Charleston, SC 29407. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Jul. 12 to Jul. 13, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for James Smyth,

14 Entries

Willie Polite

July 23, 2012

My prayers go out to the Smith Family. Mr. Smith, as he was called, was the toughest principal I've ever faced in years of Jr. High and High School. The thing that made his stand out was the fact that he was fair and he treated everyone the same. I think his demeanor was just his way of showing how much he really cared about the students without ever hearing him say so. He is, without a doubt deserving of much respect.

Marlene Myers

July 19, 2012

I am sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Smyth. I have fond memories of him at Battery Creek. I graduated in 1989 so his retirement with our graduation made it very special.

Patricia Cotterman

July 17, 2012

I had Mr. Smyth at Beaufort Junior High. He was a great teacher and I will miss him alot as I am sure all of the students he tought will. May God be with the family. Patricia Jones Cotterman

In his younger days

July 17, 2012

July 16, 2012

So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts, love, and prayers are with you (((hugs))) - from all of us at James Island Dental Associates

Martha Kays Hruska

July 15, 2012

Peace, love, and prayers to Kelley and all the family.

Angela Roney

July 15, 2012

Mr. Smyth was the greatest example of compassion, strength and higher standards I had ever witnessed in a man. When he communicated with you- he saw you; the You, you were meant to be. The "You" you wanted to be, but may have had trouble believing in. It didn't matter who you were related to, what rank your father was, what color, size or shape you were. He would hold you to a higher standard; he knew you would make mistakes and he would be there to bump you back on the right track.
Mr. Smyth may not have been my principal, but he definitely was the main-man of principle for the students lucky enough to have had him, in their school life.
Well-Loved and Thank You from the bottom of my heart.

Lois Conklin-Kelley

July 15, 2012

My sympathy and prayers to the family for your loss. I will always remember Mr. Smyth with much respect, he kept us in line at BCHS, he was tough but very kind. He was a great man.

Michelle Harral

July 15, 2012

My thoughts are prayers are will the family. He was the best principal i ever had!! Rest in peace.

Joyce Ravenel-McCray

July 15, 2012

To the Smythe family,
I am sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved "Jimmy".
I remember Mr. Smythe From Beaufort Junior High and Battery Creek. He was a stern and gentle educator. You don't always appreciate that as a child growing up. He expected excellence from all of his students.May you find peace in the wonderful memories that you shared.

Dana Maschino

July 15, 2012

i'm very saddened by the news. please take comfort in knowing that Mr. Smyth was a well respected man. i was at Bft.Jr. High with him and Battery Creek. i adored him. my deepest sympathy is expressed to the family and all who loved him.

Robert Nebelung

July 15, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Smyth family

July 14, 2012

So sorry for your loss Jim and Andy. Your family is in my prayers.

Donna Jennings

July 14, 2012

To the Smyth Family, I am very sorry for your loss. Mr Smyth was a very nice man even if he told you what you needed to hear. Andy I am very sorry!

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