James Albert Smith, Sr. (Hoke) of Lusby, Maryland, died at home on Monday, February 28, 2011. He was 85 years old. Hoke was born on February 24, 1926, in Baltimore, Maryland, the youngest of seven children. He was the son of the late Edward Ernest LaGrande Smith and Anna Margaret (Herline) Smith.

He was a World War II veteran and served in the Navy from July 3, 1943 until his honorable discharge on March 15, 1946. His stations during this time included STA Crew NCTC Peary WIMVA; 89th Construction Battalion (Replacement); 11th USN Construction Battalion; 33rd USN Construction Battalion; 93rd Construction Battalion and US NAS Anacostia, D.C. His military honors included the Pacific Theater Ribbon (2 Stars); the American Theater Ribbon; the Victory Medal and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon (1 Star).

Hoke was a long time resident of Baltimore, Maryland. He retired from his position as Staff Assistant to the Transportation Department from the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in 1981 after 40 years of service to his home on the Patuxent River in Lusby, Maryland.

Hoke lived in Lusby since 1976 and was a member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, the Holy Name Society and a Charter member of the Drum Point Club. He enjoyed "his River" (as he called it), spending time with his family, watching football and baseball, and, above all, cutting grass. He was also known for his quick wit and sense of humor which continued with him until the very end.

Hoke is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Phyllis (Wheeler) Smith, his children: James Albert Smith, Jr. of Ellicott City, Maryland; Phyllis Gail Lambert of Woodsfield, Ohio and William Edward Smith of Ramona, California. He was also survived by 9 grand Grandchildren, 11 Great-Grandchildren and 4 Great-Great-Grandchildren.

Family will receive friends for Hoke's Life Celebration on Thursday, March 3, 2011 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Rausch Funeral Home, P. A. 20 American Lane, Lusby, Maryland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 4, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Regis Catholic Church, 43950 Saint Johns Rd., Hollywood, Maryland; with Father Dignan, Father Schmidt and Father Gardiner officiating. Interment followed at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church Cemetery, Solomons, Maryland. Serving as pallbearers will be James A. Smith, Jr., William E. Smith, Irvin A. Lambert, Thomas C. Fisher, Nolley P. Fisher, III, and Frank H. Boeckmann.

Should friends desire contributions may be made in Hoke's memory to St. John's Regis Catholic Church, 43950 Saint Johns Rd., Hollywood, MD. 20636-3253 www.stjohnsparishhollywood.org or to Calvert Hospice, P. O. Box 838, Prince Frederick, Maryland 20678 "Donations are encourage on- line at www.calverthospice.org"

Arrangements provided by Rausch Funeral Home.