James Smith

James Andrew Smith, of Bennington Vermont, was born December 22, 1945, and passed away peacefully at home on August 10, 2026, from heart failure and complications related to bladder cancer treatment. 

Jim was born in Norwood, Massachusetts to Lawyer Smith and Dorothy Reagan Smith. He attended Northeastern University and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. Jim spent 25 years working as a correctional officer for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He married Debbi Bean Smith on November 5, 1994. They spent 32 years together living in Massachusetts and Vermont. 

He was a passionate and devout Catholic, and he attended daily Mass in his retirement until he was too sick to go anymore. He also loved New England sports teams. 

Jim is survived by his wife Debbi; his children Karen Purba, Thomas Smith, and Joanna Liss; stepchildren Kyle Moyer, Korey Moyer, and Kaitlin Carmichael; along with his beloved dogs, Chloe and Tommy, and his two African Grey parrots, Willow and Zaire. 

Jim meant the world to everyone who knew him. It was impossible not to love him. He was the most warm, wonderful, and kind human... even when he would go on long, expletive-laced, stuttering rants (usually in defense of someone he loved). 

Calling hours will be held on August 19, 2026, from 4-6 PM at Hanson, Walbridge and Shea Funeral Home, 213 Main Street, Bennington. A funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart St. Francis at 11 AM on August 20, 2026, at 238 Main Street, Bennington. Burial to follow. 

Jim's family kindly welcomes gifts of flowers, thoughts, and prayers. Thank you for reading and learning about our beloved Jim Smith.