James Jeffrey Smat's Obituary
James J. Smat, 69, “Jay,” of Annapolis, MD, passed away peacefully Saturday, May 4, with his children at his side after a valiant fight with cancer. Jay is survived by daughters Jennifer Smat, Jessica Curtis nee Smat, husband Mike Curtis, grandchildren Quinn and Teddy Curtis, sons James Andrew “Drew” Smat and Coleman Smat. Jay’s brother Thomas R. Smat and wife Kathleen Barry Smat, sisters Joanne Smat Kagan and husband Rick Kagan and Marcia Bradley will miss big brother Jay but know the wind will catch his sails and guide him on his next journey.
Jay grew up on the Southside of Chicago. He attended St. John Fisher Grammar School, St. Ignatius High School, Spring Hill College, Loyola University Graduate School and was stationed at Naval Station San Diego. He was an avid lifetime sailor and world traveler.
Jen’s memories of Jay are filled with early sailing days near Chicago’s Columbia Yacht Club and Monroe Street Harbor, by Carrol’s Creek in Annapolis, and teaching her the sailing ropes on Lake Michigan as well as in the turquoise waters of the British Virgin Islands.
Jess takes comfort in the joy Jay felt when with his grandchildren. He will always be their “Grumps” and will cherish the memories they shared in the last years of his life.
Drew said “my Dad was one of life’s unique characters. For better or worse he stayed true to form. He had an inviting energy about him and because of that he attracted many other unique characters to his cast. A truly diverse network propelled him through life and I’m glad I was able to be a key part of that. His final fight was impressive to say the least so I’m proud he was able carry that energy with him to the very end, but also grateful that I get to carry that piece of my Dad around with me every day,”
Coleman recalls that his father taught him that when an opportunity presents itself “take advantage immediately, do not pass it up because it may not come around again, or when it’s convenient for you,” and he is comforted by the pride he saw in his father’s face recently when he won the bartender’s Baltimore Cocktail Week’s People’s Choice best punch contest.
A memorial for friends and family will be held on Saturday, September 7th. Details to come.
Private family internment at Arlington National Cemetery.
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