James Smith

James "Jim" Smith, age 82, of Gulf Breeze passed away on July 21, 2018.

He was a devoted family man, amazing father and loving husband. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joann Smith, and two sons, Rick and Scott, all of Gulf Breeze.

Jim was born on May 10, 1936 in Winchester, TN. He graduated from Franklin County High School in 1954 where he played football, basketball and ran track. He was All-State in football. He accepted a football scholarship to attend The University of Mississippi. After two years there he transferred to Tennessee Tech where he played football and graduated from Tech in 1958.

He married his high school sweetheart Joann Trussell on November 28, 1958 in Decherd, TN. Jim accepted coaching job at Pensacola High School in 1960 and moved the family to Florida. He taught P.E. and coached football at PHS and really enjoyed his time there. He became the Head Football Coach at GBHS in 1974 and stayed there until he retired.
Jim loved fishing; he liked to go fishing, talk fishing, and he enjoyed sharing his catch with friends. He also loved football; whether it was playing, coaching, talking football or watching it on TV. He was a great family man who loved spending time with his family. Jim was a selfless man, who was always doing for others.

A time of visitation will be held from 6 to 8:00 PM on Thursday, July 26, 2018 at Rose Lawn Funeral Home, the funeral service will be held there on Friday, July 27, 2018 at 11:00 AM with burial to follow in Rose Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to, Pensacola Sports Foundation, 101 W Main Street, Pensacola, FL 32502 in Honor of Jim Smith.

Visitation

Rose Lawn Funeral Home
2942 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze, FL  32563
Thursday, July 26, 2018
6 - 8:00 PM

Service

Rose Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery
2942 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze, FL  32563
Friday, July 27, 2018
11:00 AM

Cemetery

Rose Lawn Cemetery
2942 Gulf Breeze Pkwy.
Gulf Breeze, FL  32563

Memorial Contributions

Pensacola Sports Foundation
101 W Main Street
Pensacola, FL  32502