James "Jim" Vincent Smith, DDS, age 80, passed away Wednesday, April 7, 2021 in Burlington, Washington. He was born May 8, 1940 in Ketchikan, Alaska to John Henry Smith and Verna Bailey.

Jim is survived by his wife, Judy of Sedro-Woolley; his children, Tyler (Jessica Namgdirb), Josie (Scott) Lykken, Darrin (Sandy) Leber; grandchildren, Kyle (Christina) Leber, Justin Leber (Gina Flint); great-grandchildren, Sawyer, and Weston Leber; his beloved Golden Retriever Baker.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father; cousin, Mike; aunt Virginia.

Jim moved to Walla Walla as a youth, and Everett as a teen. He graduated from Everett High in 1958. He attended Everett Jr. College then the University of Washington for pre-med and Dental school. Jim graduated in 1967 with his Doctorate of Dental Surgery.

After graduation, Jim served in the navy as a medical officer in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in June of 1969. Jim returned to Everett and opened his private practice in 1970.

In 1978, he married Darla Buhtz, and adopted her daughter Josie. Tyler was born in 1980.

In April of 1990, Jim married Judy Leber, bringing him to Sedro-Woolley. They enjoyed many adventures traveling, backpacking, fishing in Tofino, BC, and skiing.

Jim retired from private practice in 2006, only to find his new passion working as the dentist and teacher for the students at Job Corp until his retirement in 2014.

Jim loved to garden and took great pride in the beautiful gardens he and Judy created at their home. Talking and spending time with family and friends always brought him so much pleasure.

As passionate as he was about his hobbies and gardening, Jim's greatest joy was his family, being a grandpa, and a great grandpa. He enjoyed teaching all of his children to ski and sharing his love of the outdoors, hiking, fishing, backpacking, and boating.

Jim's faith was a large part of who he was. Family and friends remember the times of his off-key singing of all the hymns in church and especially his personal rendition of Happy Birthday!

An Inurnment Committal Service will be held at 1:00, Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Union Cemetery, Sedro-Woolley.  There will be a Memorial Service at St. James Episcopal Church and a Celebration of life on a future date. Memorial gifts can be made to Special Olympics, Boys and Girls Club of Skagit or Helping Hands Foodbank in Sedro-Woolley or charity of your choice.  Share your memories of Jim and sign the online guest register.