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Born on May 13, 1928 in Cochrane Ontario to Alice and James Smith. Jim spent the first 5 years of his life in Northern Ontario. He moved to Toronto during the depression when his father was moved as an employee of what became the Ontario Department of Highways. During the war years Jim was a member of the Air Cadets, then the RCAF Reserve, eventually learning to fly and receiving his pilot’s license. Jim graduated from Malvern Collegiate and after a year with Canadian National Telegraphs joined Ontario Hydro as an Operator in training. After 10 years in power plant operations Jim moved to head office where he worked in human resources, finance and construction. In 1949 Jim married Reba Mary Hutchison, the daughter of Erma and Fred Hutchison of Quyon Quebec. They had two children Douglas Gordon Smith of Dubai UAE and Linda Ann Gough of Chaing Mai, Thailand. While in Toronto Jim studied at York University and graduated with a degree in economics and business administration. While with Hydro, Jim moved through a number of departments reaching the position of group manager with the finance department. At that time he was seconded to the provincial government for 8 years, first as the research director of Task Force Hydro, which was an in depth review of Ontario Hydro. He next became a senior policy advisor during the start and development of the Ministry of Energy. In 1974 Jim moved to the private sector as a Vice President of Crothers Ltd. And then as President and CEO of Williams Machinery in B.C. and Alberta. In 1982 Jim returned to Ontario as a principal with Alafin Consultants Ltd., a firm involved in advice to business and government in the energy sector. In 1983 Jim joined Ontario Hydro as Vice President of Corporate Relations, a position he held until retiring in 1986. Jim and Reba always had a deep love of traveling and spent many years together traveling throughout the world both before and after retiring. Although they found many wonderful countries to visit, their first love was Spain, where they spent many winters. Jim died peacefully in is sleep at the age of 89 on July 4, 2017. A service will take place at St. Peter’s Anglican Church 240 College St., (King St.) Cobourg on Wednesday July 12, 2017 at 2 p.m. with visitation from 1p.m. until service time. Donations may be made to Northumberland Hills Hospital. Condolences received at www.MacCoubrey.com.