James Thornton Smith Branchburg, NJ James Thornton Smith, 83, of Branchburg, NJ, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 25, 2017 at Eastern Star Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. Born in Brooklyn, NY, on April 12, 1934 to his late parents Helen Vachunas and Lawrence Vaughn Smith, he was a resident on Staten Island for 25 years of his life before moving to Branchburg, NJ 5 ½ years ago. James entered the US Army on May 18, 1945 while serving under the position of Staff Sergeant, before being honorably discharged on April 30, 1962. James worked for the New York Department of Sanitation as the Superintendent before his retirement in 1984. He was a member of Officer Sanitation Union Local 444, The Irish American Association of Sanitation, and the Knights of Columbus 3rd Degree. James enjoyed fishing, hunting, spending time outdoors, camping with his grandchildren, and was extremely proud of his vegetable garden. He was known for his keen sense of humor, was always making people laugh, and had a special nickname called "Windy Smitty". Spending quality time with his family and grandchildren was what he cherished most and he will be forever missed. He is preceded in death by his beloved son Brendan (2016); and a brother, John. Surviving are his beloved wife of 58 years, Mary Ann Burcheck Smith; 3 dear sons, James and wife Virginia of Old Bridge, NJ, Lawrence and wife Sandra of Staten Island, NY, and Walter and wife Jayme of Staten Island, NY; 2 loving daughters, Elizabeth and husband Dennis Zimmerman of Staten Island, NY, and Lorraine and husband Kevin Radigan of Whitehouse Station, NJ; his wonderful sister Isabelle Peterson of Breezy Point, NY; 14 cherished grandchildren, Shannon, Jenna, Mark, Andrew, Kerry, Vanessa, Tiffany, Kevin, Anya, Emma, Jennifer, Emily, Alexandra, and Walter; and his adored great-grandson, Caden. Viewing will be held Thursday, December 28, 2017 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the Branchburg Funeral Home 910 US Highway 202 South, Branchburg, NJ 08876. Funeral services will start with a prayer at the funeral home at 8:45am on Friday, December 29, 2017 followed by a 9:30am funeral liturgy at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton R.C. Church in Three Bridges, NJ. Interment will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery in Bridgewater. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.