James Emory Smith

Dr. James (Jim) Smith passed away on Monday, February 12, 2024. He was born July 9, 1951, in West Palm Beach, Florida, the son of William and Josephine (Everett) Smith. Dr. Smith had been a Professor in the Social Work Department since 2008.

Jim earned his BA in Sociology in 1975 from Hampton Institute, Hampton, VA. He earned his Master of Social Work degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1977, and a Master of Public Administration from University of La Verne in 1988. He was a proud alum of the Family Life Education and Consultation program at Kansas State University, earning his PhD in 2000. Jim was a Licensed Clinical Specialist Social Worker in Kansas, and retained clinical licenses in Wyoming and North Carolina. Jim was a highly sought-after clinical supervisor for licensed master's level social workers seeking the advanced practice license.

Prior to joining the faculty at Washburn University, Jim taught at the University of Wyoming from 1999-2008. Jim practiced as a clinical social worker in various settings across several states, but will be especially remembered for his years of social work service as a Social Work Officer and Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army. He was active duty from 1978-1993, and a member of the Army Reserves from 1993-2003. He was the recipient of many medals and awards throughout his career.

Jim served his community most recently as a member of the Board of Directors at Valeo Behavioral Health Center, and many other organizations throughout his lifetime. He was a proud member of many professional and social justice organizations including the National Association of Social Workers, Academy of Certified Social Workers, National Council of African-American Men (charter member), Society for Spirituality and Social Work, Southern Poverty Law Center, Council on Social Work Education, and the American Civil Liberties Union.

Jim will be fondly remembered by his students for his lengthy syllabi, his green ink pen which bled all over their papers, his booming voice and big presence on the first day of class, his love of Star Trek, and his colorful ties. His colleagues will fondly remember his joy of singing, an office full of model planes, his dedication to students and tireless commitment to his work, and his promise, "I'm here if you need me." He will be greatly missed.

Jim is survived by his wife and love of his life, Amy. Jim is also survived by his sister, Carolyn Smith-Harris (Brandon); nephews, Mendel Smith-Harris (Kelsey) and Brandon Smith-Harris; great nephew, William Everett Smith-Harris; brother, Quintin Scott Smith and his family.

He was preceded in death by parents.
A Funeral Ceremony will be 10:30 a.m., Monday February 19, 2024 at the Grace Episcopal Cathedral, 701 SW 8th Avenue, Topeka. Interment will follow at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery at Fort Riley, in Manhattan. Jim will lie in state, Sunday February 18, 2024 at the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104 or to the Jefferson County Humane Society, 15295 K4 Highway, Valley Falls, KS 66088.

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