Captain James Smith, 81, of Sandy Hook, passed away on July 30.

Born in Danbury, James received his bachelor’s at UConn and joined the Air Force after graduation. He was stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California before moving to Massachusetts and then to Sandy Hook, where he and his family have been since 1976.

His favorite pastime was fishing, although he was also an excellent athlete, playing football and tennis. He was an avid Newtown High School football fan, especially during the years his son was playing. In fact, he was a great supporter of every sport team his son or daughter ever played on.

He and his wife enjoyed UConn basketball, watching either team play every time a game was televised. He also enjoyed gardening, playing word games on the iPad with his wife and thoroughly enjoyed all the good years wining and dining with he and his wife’s best friends. He will be missed by so many.

James is survived by his wife of 58 years, Emily Smith; son Gregory Smith; daughter Carey Smith; and family cat Zip. He is also survived by sister-in-law Elsa Smith, niece Christina and her son in Tennessee, and nephew Jeffrey Smith, along with his wife Sarah and their children in Virginia; and cousin Jill and husband Edward Dowdell in New York.

James was predeceased by his parents, William and Kazimera Smith of Danbury; and his brother, William of Danbury and Naugatuck.

The Smiths appreciate the overwhelming outpouring of condolences expressed from all who knew James.

The family is planning a private celebration of life, and his final resting place will be at Arlington National Cemetery. However, St Rose Church will be dedicating the 5 pm Mass on September 28 to James and the Smith family will be in attendance.

In lieu of flowers, James’s family asks friends to please consider making a donation to a US military or veterans organization in his memory.