James Richard Smith

James Richard Smith, 82, of Oakland, California, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2025. Jim, as he was known, was an accomplished business man with unparalleled wit and a heart of gold.

He was "the last of the lion-kings," as a dear friend reflected, "and a person who had an enormous impact on everyone with whom he came into contact, consistently adding humor and nuance to our lives." He loved Henny Youngman, the British-born American comedian and musician famous for his mastery of the "one-liner," and that was Jim!

Jim was born to Robert and Mildred Smith in Portland, Oregon and grew up there with his sister Barbara. He did well academically and excelled at basketball from an early age. He was a star at Wilson High School where his team won the all-city and all-state championships. Jim's basketball ability benefitted from his height of 6'8" and a rigorous practice schedule that grew into the steadfast and tenacious work ethic for which he was later known. Smith was the focal point of Southern Methodist University's offense where he was a forward, becoming Co-Captain of the team in his third varsity season. With Smith in tow, the Mustangs captured the 1965 Southwest Conference Championship and reached the NCAA Tournament, Sweet 16. Jim was inducted into the Portland Interscholastic League Hall of Fame in 2022.

In 1960, he met his high school sweetheart, Sharon. Together, they went on to SMU where he had a full basketball scholarship and studied marketing and finance. Upon graduation from college, the two were married in Lake Oswego. They then drove across the country in a VW "bug" to Pittsburgh where Jim began his steel career with Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation. His career took them to many places including Baltimore, Greensboro, and St. Louis. When he left J&L in 1980, they moved to Piedmont, CA where Jim continued in the steel business with Davis Walker Corp as VP and later Franco Steel, VP. As the steel industry was winding down in the U.S. he shifted careers taking on BTS Group as president and co-owner.

In 1998, while living in Lake Tahoe, Jim sold BTS and went on to purchase Custom Logo, a promotional products company, for one dollar. He built it from the ground up and took great pride in describing himself as a "golf ball salesman!". Throughout the years, he employed many young people who, to this day, cherish having worked under his mentorship. He was always interested in the energy and ideas of the younger generations.

Jim and Sharon's two sons, Jeff and Jamie, were their greatest life's work. Jim especially enjoyed the boys' youth when he was able to coach them in basketball and little league baseball. This enthusiasm found him spearheading the Piedmont Baseball and Softball Foundation. Jim was endlessly proud of the good men his sons have become and the wonderful families they have created. He loved being 'Poppy' to his grandchildren, never failing to let each one of them know how much they meant to him - in between ribbing them with a good joke, that ultimately served to shape their sensibilities in navigating life's adventures.

One of the great landscapes of Jim's life was Claremont Country Club. He revered every aspect of the Club's traditions, though it was the members and the staff that he treasured most. Jim was President during a critical period of historic preservation that helped to define the experience and beauty of the Club today. When not at the Club he enjoyed entertaining at their bungalow in St. Helena, CA. He had a full circle of friendships, keeping up with people from all over the world. This truly was his joy. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him.

Jim is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sharon Smith, children Jeff (AnnMarie) Smith, and Jamie (Melinda) Smith, and seven grandchildren: Carter, Brady, Alyssa, Andrew, Ashley, Charlie and Caroline. He also played an important role in many extended family member's lives, including Brian and Noah Berry and all of his dear nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Friends and Family are invited to the Celebration of Life for Jim on November 2, 2025 at 2:00 pm.

Donations to the Claremont Country Club Oak Tree Foundation, Dumbarton Oaks Park Conservancy, or a charity of your choice, are greatly appreciated.

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