The following is a press release from the West Chester Area School District.

James T. Smith, former educator and West Chester Area School District school board member, passed away over the weekend from complications following kidney surgery. Jim was 74 years old.

Jim was an active member in our community for more than 40 years. He taught social studies in the WCASD and was one of the first to teach at East High School when it opened in the mid-1970s, moving there from B. Reed Henderson High School. At both schools Jim also guided young student-athletes as a football coach, and was a strong supporter of school athletics as a way to help students learn more about themselves and their potential.

Jim Smith was a member of the West Chester Area School Board from 2004 to 2011 and served a term as the Board’s President. Most recently he could be seen volunteering at Henderson as a driver education instructor for countless students. Jim was a devoted friend of public education whose presence will be missed within the West Chester community.

Please keep Jim’s wife, Carolyn, and his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. Memorial arrangements are provided below.

Visitation:  Friday 7 PM to 10 PM and Saturday 8 AM – 10 AM

                        DellaVecchia Funeral Home

                        410 N. Church Street

                        West Chester, PA 19380

Services: Saturday Morning at 11 AM

                       First Presbyterian Church

                       130 W. Miner Street

                       West Chester, PA 19382

Interment – Birmingham-Lafayette Cemetery

                       West Chester PA

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to:

                        Warrior Football, c/o Ken McCormick, Athletic Director

                        400 Montgomery Avenue

                        West Chester, PA 19380