And now the end is near. So I face the curtain My friend, I’ll say it clear, I’ll state my case of which I’m certain, I’ve lived a life that’s full. I’ve traveled each and every highway and more, much more than this, I did it my way. Regrets, I’ve had a few, but then again, too few to mention, I did what I had to do, and saw it through without exception. I planned each charted course, each careful step, along the way “Oh” and more, much more than this, I did it my way.
Yes there were times, I’m sure you know, when I bit off more than I could chew, but through it all, when there was doubt, I ate it up and spit it out. I faced it all and I stood tall, and did it my way.
I’ve loved, I’ve laughed and cried, I’ve had my fails, my share of losing and now as tears subside, I find it all so amusing. To think I did all that and may, I say, not in a shy way “Oh”, no, no not me, I did it my way. For what is a man, what he has got, If not himself, then he has not, to say the words he truly feels, and not the words he would reveal. The record shows, I took the blows and did it my way. The record shows I took the blows and did it my way.
A song many singers sang, although Elvis was the one he liked, James lived his life to the words of that song. A caring loving man, he was a husband, father, grandfather, Great grandfather, also a friend to many, Jin’s life was about doing what he enjoyed, cooking, music, and his computer, which was self taught. During this time he had a mission to track his deceased POW’s brother’s foot steps in the Korean War, also to fight for him and many others to receive the Purple Heart and all other medals they deserved. Three months after his death Congress had passed that his brother and many others would receive the Purple Heart award.
James Smith was a man who loved his family and friends. He was always helping and enjoying life to the fullest. He was also an organ donor, his words were, “Please use this little gift I can give, because it would only die with me, there is a small gift from me, but to recipient it would be the greatest gift to receive”. Jim, may you rest in peace with your family and friends. We miss and love you.
Your wife, children and all who knew you. We keep you with us through memories of all the good times with family and friends.