Joshua James "Jake" Smith

Life In Retrospect “The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop at late or early hour.” Joshua James Smith (Jake), son of the late Lillian and Everett Smith, was born on March 30, 1920 in Delmar, Delaware. Having lived ninety-three (93) years, Joshua departed this life on Friday, December 27, 2013 at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, Maryland. Jake, affectionately called “Daddy”, “Father”, and “Pop Pop” by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and commonly known as “Uncle Jake” by nieces, nephews and cousins, was committed to his family and to helping others. Jake received his early education from Owens Corner School in Columbia, Delaware. On August 28, 1953, Jake was married to the late Imogene O. Smith. From this union, eight children were born. Jake was a member of Mount Nebo Church where he attended until his health began to fail. After faithfully serving in the United States Army in World War II, as a mechanic in the motor pool overseas, he returned to the States to begin his work career at Sparrow’s Feed and Hardware Store in Delmar, DE where he held many positions including driver, mechanic and builder, following his employment with Porter Lumber Company in Seaford, DE. He continued this work as an independent contractor supervising the distribution of lumber from railway cars along the East coast. His experience in the lumber industry afforded many young men the opportunity for employment, which encouraged them to become productive men in the Community. After his retirement, Jake continued to work part-time as a school bus contractor and driver until 1999. Upon retirement, he enjoyed tinkering, gardening and working on small engines and lawn mowers. He particularly enjoyed his tractors, especially one he affectionately named “Little Beaver.” He also enjoyed driving his 1993 Chevrolet Lumina, named Surry. Jake enjoyed his hobbies until his health began to fail, so he became content spending time in his home which he helped build over fifty years ago. He quickly adjusted to his “in the house” life and lovingly made it clear to all that “he was in charge.” His favorite sayings were “I Got Some Say” and “For Time Being.” Those who shared the joy of life with him and remain to cherish his memories include: one son, Everett L. Smith of Delmar, DE; seven daughters—Judith A. Gaines of Mardela Springs, MD, Jacquelyn I. Smith of Delmar, DE, Nancy C. Custis (Linwood) of Laurel, DE, Rosamae I. Smith of Delmar, DE, Karen A. Smith of Randallstown, MD, Letha E. Smith of Seaford, DE, and Tracy Gregory (Michael) of Salisbury, MD; one granddaughter Candice T. Walker (Lawrence) of Grove City, PA; one grandson, Jeremy B. Smith of Delmar, DE, whom he raised; three special granddaughters—Lynell C. Custis, Kimberlee I. Smith and LaShaunda K. Smith all of Delmar, DE; one very devoted great granddaughter Katrice I. Smith (Faithful) of Delmar, DE; a special great grandson Justin Smith of Delmar, DE; a devoted nephew who was like a son, Floyd L. Peters (Mamie) of Jacksonville, NC; eighteen grandchildren and twenty-two great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. One of his special sons, David Gaines (Mable/Sweetie) of Delmar, DE, preceded him in death. Sorrowfully Submitted With Love ~ The Family To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joshua James "Jake" Smith, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Joshua James "Jake" Smith

March 30, 1920 - December 27, 2013