December 8, 1935-June 17, 2026

James Lynn “Jim” Smothermon, 90, of Friendswood, Texas, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on December 8, 1935, in Little Elm, Texas, James was the beloved son of D.C and Pauline Smothermon. From an early age, he was known for his strong work ethic, unwavering faith, deep commitment to his family and friends, and a life marked by service to others.

James spent his formative years growing up in Frisco, Texas, where he helped on the family farm while excelling in both academics and athletics. His talent on the baseball and football field earned him several scholarship offers, and ultimately he chose to play baseball Texas A&M University. In 1955, he married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Collinsworth, beginning a beautiful marriage that spanned 70 years. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1959 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering before accepting a commission into the United States Navy as a flight navigator stationed primarily in Hawaii, where he proudly served for three years. Most of his time in the Navy was spent with the AEW BARRON PAC squadron navigating patrol flights between Midway Island and Alaska.

Following his military service, James was briefly employed at General Dynamics in Ft. Worth, TX before ultimately joining the newly established National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 1966, a career that brought his family to Friendswood, Texas where they built a life rooted in faith, family, and community. His almost 30 years at NASA consisted of working on all the Apollo missions with special contribution to the development of the Lunar Rover. He served as a Payload Integration Manager during most of the Space Shuttle missions and his last years were spent serving on the Space Station team. He enjoyed a distinguished career before retiring in 1995. Retirement simply gave him more time to invest in what mattered most, his family, his church, and the friendships he treasured.

A devoted follower of Christ, James faithfully served as a leader and elder at the Friendswood Church of Christ for almost 40 years. His quiet leadership,

humble servant’s heart, and steadfast faith left a lasting impact on his church family and everyone who knew him.

James was also a proud Aggie whose love for Texas A&M University remained one of the great joys of his life. What began with a baseball scholarship and an engineering degree grew into a treasured family legacy. He delighted in watching his children and grandchildren attend Texas A&M and carrying on the Aggie tradition he began decades earlier.

Above all, James cherished his family, his faith, and the relationships he built throughout his life. He loved traveling, spending time on the golf course, cheering on his favorite sports teams, and creating memories with those he loved. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, gentle spirit, quiet strength, unwavering devotion to his loved ones, and the quiet example he set for everyone fortunate enough to know him.

James is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Nancy Smothermon; his daughter Lori Callaway and her husband Dustin; son David Smothermon and his wife Angie; his grandchildren, Holly Gilmer and husband Greg; Zachary Callaway and wife Bethany; Conner Callaway and wife Brittany and Carson Smothermon; his five great-grandchildren, Hadley and Sadie Gilmer, and Violet, Everett, and Jude Callaway; his brothers, Gary Smothermon and wife Debbie; and Danny Smothermon; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, D. C. and Pauline Smothermon, and his brother, Harold Smothermon.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at the Friendswood Church of Christ 2051 W. Parkwood Ave, Friendswood, TX 77546.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Impact Church of Christ 1704 Weber St., Houston, TX 77007, a ministry Jim served with for years feeding the homeless.

Though James is no longer with us, his love, faith, and legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him. His example of servant leadership, quiet humility, and unwavering devotion to his family will continue to guide future generations. The traditions he began, the values he lived by, and the love he so freely gave will endure for years to come. He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and forever loved.