Joseph James Smith

Joseph James Smith Obituary Joseph James “Doc” Smith, 90, of Summerville, SC, formally of Morehead City, NC, and St. James, NY, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family after a brief illness on February 6, 2025. 

He was born December 9, 1934 in Astoria, NY, son of the late James and Julia (Quinn) Smith. 

Joe received his Bachelor of Science from Mount St. Mary’s University. He then received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Maryland - Baltimore College of Dental Surgery in 1960. Shortly after, Joe started his very successful family dental practice in St. James, NY, becoming one of the town’s best known dentists for over 33 years. An active leader within the community, Joe served as the President of the St. James Chamber of Commerce, President of the Saint Anthony’s Father’s Guild, and a host of other community leadership roles. He played a vital part in the establishment of successful community events and offerings, such as: the creation of the local paper, Our Town; the establishment of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, where he served as the Grand Marshal one year, and the Halloween Parade in St. James. He also helped start St. James Day, an event highlighting the local residents and businesses. 

Outside his small town, Joe was most notably recognized on softball elds throughout the country. Spanning a softball career that lasted for more than 50 years, “Doc” was honored as a Hall-of-Fame member in 2011 by the United States Senior Softball Association. Locally, Joe started the Smithtown Softball League, the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Softball League, and orchestrated the rst national softball tournament to be held in Smithtown, NY. Throughout his illustrious career, Doc played for national teams from NY, NJ, NC, and SC. 

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Louise Smith, whom he was married to for 67 years; sons, Kevin (Kathy) Smith, Patrick (Amy) Smith, Joseph (Jennifer) Smith, Peter (Whitney) Smith; daughters Donna (John) Nevolo, Maureen (David) Migliaccio, Jennifer (Donald) Dalgauer; Cristina (Baron) Miller; siblings, Patrick Smith; 15 grandsons, 12 granddaughters, and 11 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Gerard, John, and Brian Smith.

 A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 27th at 1:30pm EST the The Claiborne at Brickyard Crossing, 112 Grandview Dr, Summerville, SC 29483. 

The Smith Family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers a gift be made in loving memory of Joseph James Smith to any of these worthy causes: Mercy Ships PO Box 1930 Garden Valley, TX 75771 Donate: https://www.mercyships.org/get-involved/ 

Wounded Warrior Project 4899 Belfort Road Suite 300 Jacksonville, FL 32256 Link: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate 

Tunnel to Towers Foundation 2361 Hylan Blvd. Staten Island, NY 10306 https://t2t.org/donate/