SATURDAY 2026 01 07: James Thomas ‘Tom’ Smith Jr.
Our Heavenly Father, The Supreme Commander of all creation, mindful of service nobly done, has called Vietnam War Era Navy Veteran, and American Legion 31-year continuous service member, James Thomas ‘Tom’ Smith Jr, to eternal rest and peace at Post Everlasting.
Tom was the very embodiment of an American Legionnaire. His loyalty, dedication, and unwavering service to The American Legion and to Post 240 left a lasting mark on all who followed in his footsteps. Over the years, he served as Post Commander, Adjutant, Finance Officer, and was an Honorary Post 240 Life Member. His leadership extended beyond our Post, serving the 17th District, Department of Texas, as Commander, Vice Commander, and Adjutant. Tom had the distinction of being The Patriarch of Post 240’s only known Legionnaire family. His wife Marilyn and son John were also active members of TURNBOW-HIGGS American Legion Post 240 Department of Texas.
Tom earned his American Legion Membership via service in the United States Navy. His Navy enlistment followed his San Angelo Central High School graduation. He was an honor graduate from Hospital Corps School and Neuropsychiatric Technician School. He was then assigned to the U.S. Naval Dispensary, San Francisco, California.
During his years as a Corpsman, he served with D Company, 3rd Medical Battalion, 3rd Marine Division; Station Hospital, Saigon; Naval Hospital, San Diego; USS Hampshire County LST-819; and the 2nd Battalion, 1s Marines in Vietnam. While serving with the Marines he received a commission in the Medical Service Corps. As an officer he served with the Naval Hospital, Philadelphia; Navy Industrial and Environmental Health Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; and the Naval Regional Medical Center, Philadelphia. He was a graduate of the Naval School of Health Care Administration and retired as a Lieutenant Commander after twenty years of service.
His awards and decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal with combat 'V', Navy Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal with one bronze star, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with FMF Clasp and ten campaign stars, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Ribbon with palm, Vietnam Civic Action Ribbon with palm, and Vietnam Defense Medal.
After he retired from the Navy, he attended Tarleton State University receiving a bachelor's and a master's degree. He then taught in the Department of Engineering at Tarleton State University for twenty-eight years. He retired as an Assistant Professor in 2010. While he lived in Stephenville, he attended Harvey Baptist Church where he taught a ladies Sunday School Class for twenty-two years. Then he moved to Speegleville, TX. and attended Speegleville Baptist Church serving as a Deacon.
He was preceded in death by his first wife of 61 years, Marilyn Mae Smith, and his parents. He is survived by his wife, Lynda Smith and her children, Alicia Martinez and her husband Bernave, and Sean Milton; his son, John Smith, his son, Tom Smith and his wife Becky; his granddaughters, Lauren and Amber; his sister, Clara Shinpaugh; his sister-in-law Betty Faver and her husband, Scott and cousins, nieces and nephews.
O Lord, as we mourn the death of our faithful and dedicated comrade Tom Smtih, assure us yet again that our departed comrade is not lost to us, but sharing new life with You in the kingdom of our Father, where we shall in Your good time be reunited. Amen -Post 240 Historian, Roger Easter
