James Charles “J.C.” Smith, age 78 of Castroville, passed away on April 27, 2017. J.C. was born on September 25, 1938 in Rockdale, TX, to James Ballard Smith and Mathilda Madeline Scheihing Smith.
In 1956 he graduated from Rockdale High School and also graduated from Texas A & M University in 1964 with a BS in Aeronautical Engineering. J.C. worked as a civil service aeronautical engineer for the USAF at Kelly AFB and also at Brooks AFB, retiring in 2007. He was a licensed professional engineer, a licensed commercial pilot and a ground instructor.
On May 26, 1972 he married Melvinie Lemke in Schertz, TX. They were married for almost 45 years and raised five children together.
J.C. was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mathilda Smith, his daughter, Lynda Marie Smith and three sisters, Mary Speas, Dorothy Thompson and Jo Ann McDonald.
Survivors include his wife, Melvinie Smith of Castroville, Cheryl “Mary” Smith of Dallas, Robert Charles (Melissa) Smith of New Braunfels, James Gottlieb (Sean Casey) Smith of Silver Spring, Maryland, and Michelle Smith Cole of San Antonio; grandchildren, Laura Jenkins, Cheyanna Garza, Taylor Gotthard, Brandi Hopkins, Kristian Smith, Alyssa Smith, Austin Smith, Lydia Smith, Sabra Smith, Sebastian Smith, Brittany Perry, Tyler Perry and Robert Cole; great-grandchildren, Sofia, Theseus, Major, Easton and Luna; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Visitation will be Wednesday, May 3, 2017 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm with a Prayer Service at 7:00 pm at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. A Graveside Service will be held Thursday, May 4, 2017 at 11:00 am at Oaklawn Cemetery in Rockdale. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. Memorials may be made in J.C.’s memory to Texas A & M University, http://www.aggienetwork.com/memorial/ or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home.