Thomas James Smith
Thomas James Smith, beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and storyteller, passed away on May 16, 2025, at the age of 75. Born on October 16, 1949, in Easton, Pennsylvania, Tom spent most of his life in Phillipsburg, New Jersey where he grew up and later raised his own family.
A gifted educator and Phillipsburg High School Wall of Fame recipient, Tom dedicated more than 30 years of his life to teaching mathematics at Hunterdon Central Regional High School in Flemington, NJ. Known for his love of teaching geometry and his ability to inspire students in advanced math courses, he eventually served as Chair of the Mathematics Department and later as the school’s Curriculum Director. His commitment to education culminated in his role as Assistant Superintendent of Hunterdon Central High School, where he continued to shape and support the growth of young minds, always living by the motto “whatever is best for the kids”.
Tom held a bachelor’s and master’s degree from The College of New Jersey and earned his Doctorate of Education in Mathematics from Lehigh University, an achievement he took great pride in. But his greatest joy came not from titles or accolades, but from the relationships he built with students, colleagues, and his own family.
Outside of the classroom, Tom coached lacrosse at Hunterdon Central for many years, leading his team to a state championship. An avid fly fisherman, Tom enjoyed traveling the world in pursuit of peaceful streams and perfect casts. Whether it was the streams of his beloved Dream Mile Club in Pennsylvania, or the waters of Patagonia, he found solace and joy in his favorite pastime. When he wasn’t fishing, you could find Tom in his workshop, often crafting furniture and other woodworking projects.
Tom’s true calling, however, was fatherhood. A deeply loving and devoted father, he poured his heart into raising his daughters – Jennifer, Stephanie, and Shannon – with boundless love, steady wisdom, and a generous spirit. Around the dinner table, he was the family’s storyteller, recounting tales from his own childhood, offering life lessons disguised as anecdotes, and sharing laughter that echoed warmly through the years.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Jackie; his daughters and their spouses; his brother, Jeff, and sister-in-law, Pat; and seven grandchildren – Luke, Callie, Dylan, Gray, Liam, Jonathan and Harper, who were the pride and joy of his life. He never missed a chance to cheer them on, offer a math riddle, or share a clever joke. His love for them knew no bounds.
He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.
Tom will be remembered for his witty humor, his profound generosity, the ever-present Amazon boxes lining his front porch, and most of all, the devotion he brought to teaching and fatherhood.
His life was marked by purpose, passion, and deep connection, a life well-lived and well-loved. His legacy continues in every student he inspired, every story he has shared, and every life he has touched.
A celebration and memorial of Tom’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 20, at 11am at St. Peter Catholic Church in Greenville, NC, followed by his Funeral Mass on Thursday, May 22, at 10am at St. Phillip and St. James Catholic Church in Phillipsburg, NJ. The Finegan Funeral Homes of Phillipsburg & Alpha are coordinating local arrangements. The are no calling hours and the interment will be at St. Philip & St. James Cemetery in Greenwich Township, NJ. Visit www.fineganfh.com.