Dr. James Morton Smith Sr., educator, historian, author, and former director of Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, passed away peacefully at his home in Elkton, Md. on March 19 after a long illness. Dr. Smith also had a home in Newcastle.
The son of V. Earl and Laura Kinser Smith, Dr. Smith was born in Bernie, Stoddard County, Mo., on May 28, 1919. He received his early education in Frankford, Ill., graduating in a class of eleven from West Frankfort High School in 1937. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Illinois University in 1941, his Master of Arts from the University of Oklahoma in 1942, and his PhD in American History and Constitutional Law from Cornell University in 1951. During this period of his life, the most important non-academic events included meeting Kathryn E. Hegler in 1940, joining the Coast Guard in 1942 and marrying Kathryn on Jan. 5, 1945.
Dr. Smith loved early American history. He loved teaching it, researching it, preserving it and writing about it.
His academic career included teaching at Butler University, Indianapolis, Ind.; Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio; Duke University, Durham, N.C.; The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Va.; and Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y.
Two important positions in Dr. Smith’s career involved preservation as well as education. As Director of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin (now called the Wisconsin Historical Society), Dr. Smith was involved in all aspects of the historical landmarks and sites in the state and noteworthy events. Dr. Smith came to Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library as its third Director in 1976 and provided leadership until his retirement in 1984.
Dr. Smith was a respected scholar and author, completing his final book, “The Republic of Letters: The Correspondence between Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, 1776-1826.” during his retirement.
Dr. Smith loved editing, reviewing grant applications, dancing with his wife, his Studebaker, jogging and playing basketball until well into his 70s, broadcasting play by play commentary at local basketball games, traveling to places Thomas Jefferson had been and going to clubs to hear Swing Big Bands including Duke Ellington and Count Basie.
Dr. Smith was predeceased by his parents; brother, Virgil E. Smith; and grandson, Scott David Thompson.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Kathryn E. Smith; son, Mr. James M. Smith Jr.; daughter, Ms. Melissa (Missy) J. Smith; and granddaughter, Miss Carolyn Ann Thompson.
Visitation with the family March 26 at Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Rd., Wilmington, Del. Funeral service March 27 at the funeral home. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in support of the Garden, to Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE 19735.
