November 25, 1942 – January 3, 2024
Dr. James Reilly Smith, a beloved spouse, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, and esteemed medical physician, passed away on January 3rd, 2024, in Friendswood, at the age of 81. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, loyalty, and a life well-lived.
James aka Jimmy, Dad, Uncle Jimmy, Master and Commander, Dr. James, and Doc was destined for a life of service. Born on November 25, 1942, he was the 3rd child and son born to Nell and Mevis Smith. He was a proud native Texan and Houstonian. Jimmy was a 1960 graduate of San Jacinto High School and completed his undergraduate work at The University of Houston. He interrupted his secondary education to honorably serve as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army, where he displayed unwavering loyalty and commitment to his country. Jimmy continued as a “professional student” and obtained his medical degree from Tulane University in New Orleans. While in medical school, at a Phi Chi fraternity party, he met his lifelong companion and wife of 54 years, Kristine.
After becoming licensed to practice medicine in both Louisiana and Texas, Dr. James pursued a remarkable 45-year career as a private, family practice physician in Alvin, Texas. Although he humbly considered himself just a good, old-fashioned, country doc, Dr. James cared for entire families and brought countless new lives into the world with his skillful hands. His long-time staff remained as part of his extended family and patients regarded him not only as their trusted doctor but also as a confidant and friend.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, James had a zest for life that was infectious and he never met a stranger. A few of his first hobbies included golfing, sailing and bridge. He was an avid photographer and an early adopter of family videography, capturing numerous precious and embarrassing moments while preserving memories for generations to come. His love for adventure extended to SCUBA diving, where he explored the depths of the ocean, always in awe of the beauty beneath.
James was also an accomplished road racer, finding exhilaration and his true passion on the racetrack. Doc, as he was known to the racing community, joined the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) in 1991 and began Road Racing in their Showroom Stock series. He graduated to the Pro Neon ACR series and competed in the National Series during the 1996 season. During his racing career, he drove almost every class of car with success. He raced production-class cars in Improved Touring, Showroom Stock, and Production. Doc drove a C-Sports Racer to a sixth-place finish in the SCCA National Championship race at Topeka, Kansas. During his 30-plus years of membership and racing, he held numerous track records, some of which still stand. Doc held administrative positions with the SCCA National Office as well as the Southwest Division. He was also a member of the SCCA National Medical Review Committee until it was dissolved in 2015. At the time of his passing, he held the position of Division Administrator for Medical and Safety and maintained his Full Competition and National Steward licenses. Doc was also the track doctor at MSR Houston since its opening in 2005.
A lifelong student, mentor and generous donor, James co-founded the Hands On Driving Academy, a 503(c)3, non-profit charitable organization that trains injured veterans to drive hand-controlled cars and the art of racing. His love of learning extended to various hobbies, including his fondness for puzzles, SUDOKU, and his insatiable reading habit. He was an ardent sports enthusiast, cheering for the Houston Astros, the UH Cougars, and Formula 1 Racing.
Nature held a special place in James' heart, as he found joy in bird watching and cherished the companionship of his four-legged friends. His love and compassion for all animals knew no bounds, raising wild ducks from abandoned eggs found in his yard, injured squirrels and possums, and also rescuing a pack of Dobermans over many years with his wife, Kris.
James was a man of many accomplishments, yet his greatest achievement was the love and generosity he bestowed upon his family and friends. A devoted spouse, father, grandfather and uncle, he created a warm and inviting home (and several garages) filled with laughter, love, and innumerable cherished memories.
James was preceded in death by his parents Nell and Mevis Smith, and brother, Larry D. Smith, MD. He is survived by his wife, Kristine Smith; daughter, Jennifer (Smith) and her husband Gayle Speck, Jr. of Friendswood; nephew, Mathieu Salomon of Santa Monica, CA; 2 grandchildren, Lauren and Cannon Speck; brother Gene A. Smith, Esq., (Barbara) of Pearland; brother-in-law, Stephen Elleson (Jennifer); sister-in-law, Laurie Salomon; niece and nephews, Stephanie Smith (Shawna), Gene Foote (Dana), Christopher Smith, Theodore Smith.
If desired, and in lieu of flowers, friends may make memorial contributions to Hands On Driving Academy, handsondrivingacademy.org. Gifts to this organization will honor James’ commitment to education, racing, and his respect for those who selflessly protect our country.
James will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. His legacy of kindness, generosity, and dedication will continue to inspire and guide us. As we say our final goodbyes, let us remember the remarkable life he lived and the profound impact he had on those fortunate enough to have known him.
19 thoughts on “Dr. James Reilly Smith”
What a wonderful part of our families health care and Lovewell Truckings employees for many years. We have missed Dr James and Kris, and their entire office staff, since he retired.
Kris and Jennifer, l am so sorry for your loss and our loss. I am proud to say, he was Gene's brother, Ted's uncle and my brother in law. All of us will miss him for ever.
Dr. James was my family. I met his as my sister had worked with him and his brother Dr Larry for many years. He was so kind and thoughtful during my husband's illness. Ken would have walked to visit him. I know he is a terrible lose to Kris and Jennifer but us his patients as well. I am remembering the family in my prayers during this time.
Was a wonderful man & physician. He treated 5 generations of my family. He actually made a housecall for my grandmother. Admired by many. Deepest sympathy to his loved ones
Dr. Smith was one of the most genuine people you would ever meet. He greatly cared for people and would do anything he could to help others. I count myself lucky to have been his colleague and learn from this great man. I have many great memories being in his employ. He and his family made us feel like family too. I'll never forget how he wouldn't retire until he was assured his employees would be taken care of. My heart goes out to his family at this time. He will be greatly missed.
Dr. Smith was my doctor from 18 years old until his retirement. I am 68 now. My husband became his patient and I took my 6 week old son to him. We cared so much for him. He had a wonderful bed side manner and never rushed when you went to see him. He saw me through many trials of life and I had comfort knowing he was my doctor. I am so honored to have known him and Kris. Rest in peace. You will be missed.
Jimmy and I go back to McGregor elementary where we competed for top honors in math. I am proud to say that I came in second to best of our class. And that applies to our years at Johnston and San Jac and even a semester at U T. He left me many great memories
Like David Danburg and Bob Lowe, we all met in junior high. I lived down the street from Jimmy on Calumet. The Smith house was always an active one, and I was fascinated by their work on cars. When I read the Obituary, I smiled when I saw the "race car processional" which I thought was fitting and appropriate. I echo my friends' comments about Jimmy's character, intellect, and commitment to his patients, friends, and family. We always enjoyed getting together for high school class functions. Jimmy will clearly live on in the hearts of those of us who cherish his memory.
I met Dr. Smith during a tumultuous time in my life and he not only granted me employment but stability and a sense of warmth in a family environment. He was always so gracious and down to earth and made everyone around him, from patients to staff, feel comfortable and at ease allowing him to seamlessly practice his craft while mentoring and teaching valuable life lessons. His sense of humor was second to none and I still replay funny moments we shared in clinic. Doc was an incredible physician but an even greater man and we’ll miss him dearly. Til we meet again Doc…
Vaya Con Dios my friend. You were a dang good doctor and I was the one that introduced you to racing. Zoom on Doc.
Jimmy and I were classmates at Johnston junior high and San Jacinto high school. After graduation, we lost touch until my senior year at Tulane Medical School, when to my great surprise, Jimmy showed up in the freshman class and joined my medical fraternity, Phi Chi. We renewed our friendship and he served as a groomsman when I married my wife, Yvonne, in Weimar, Texas, during the Christmas holidays of 1967, of my senior year of med school. We stayed in touch on an infrequent basis for then on. I practiced as an ophthalmologist in Columbus, Texas, and would often seek Jimmy's advice on general medical issues that affected me or my family, knowing Jimmy's experience as a family practitioner in Alvin. We always enjoyed catching up on our family news and always attended our San Jac high school reunions. I will miss his friendship!
There are few words that do justice to Jimmy. Some of my favorite memories of the times we spent together were just the two of us, in a car together talking and driving. No two ways about it, he was one of the best, and Elaine and I were just two people among many that were incredibly fortunate to have had him in our lives.
Dr. Smith was an integral part of not just people's lives, but those of the many businesses with which he was involved, in one way or another, over the years. The impact of his business acumen and experience, particularly in regards to his decades of support for DeLorean Motor Company, are truly immeasurable. We will be forever grateful for the opportunity he gave us and for the belief he had in our potential.
Like so many have shared here, Doc touched our lives in so many positive ways. His duty of care, compassion and positive attitude will never be forgotten. He will be deeply missed.
Dr. Smith was a kind and generous person. He was a great man to work for. He has a beautiful family that will miss him dearly.
Kris and Jennifer and family———Don't really have enough words to let others know how important this kind, wonderful man was to our family. We began our long journey with Dr. Smith in October 1972 when I was pregnant with our first child Zane. We thought we might loose Zane before he was born, and Dr. Smith was right there with us during that very difficult time. Dr Smith delivered Zane a few months later, and was there for us when our baby boy became critically ill a couple days after being born. Dr. Smith also delivered our baby girl, Nikki as well. When I went into labor with Nikki and went to the hospital it was on a Sunday afternoon. Dr. Smith was at home working on a car when the hospital called him away from his day off to help our baby girl come into the world. Our son is 50 years old, and our daughter is 47 years old now. So many times he was there for our family, not only as our doctor, but as a great friend. One time on a Saturday I cut my hand real bad and my husband called Dr. Smith—-He said come to the office, he was there and he would look at my hand. He got the bleeding to stop, cleaned it up, put some stitches in my hand and said "now go home and put your feet up and rest and stay out of the kitchen". He was there for me when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. Our list could go on and on. We missed him so very much when he retired. We will miss him even more now! Ed, Janie, Zane, Nikki Whitaker—Alvin, Texas
As a classmate of Jimmy at San Jacinto High School, I always thought of him as one of the kindest and most positive people that I've met in my lifetime. He was highly respected by all as he served our class as Senior Class President. Jimmy was definitely one of the "good guys." His beautiful smile and his compassion for others will live on in my memory. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
James was a great man that served his country,his family and his friends and community with Love and devotion all his lifetime! He delivered all three of my children and my oldest son was named after him in hopes he would grow to live up to his name sack as a great leader,man, and father to his future wife and family and he has! As far as our family goes he was a member of our family! Our sympathies go out th Chris & Jennifer and please know we all feel your loss! Send our prayers and love to your family at this time! 🙏🙏🤗🙋♀️🌹
I was a patient of doctor Smith from right after we moved to Alvin in 1987, until he retired. I loved him, he was always there for you in any way he could help. I often discussed my parents medical problems with him. He was a family medicine doctor, but he was so much more. He read everything and would tell you new ways to handle your medical issues. He gave so much to his patients and to everyone he met. He will be greatly missed, I wish I had known I would have attended his service.