FES field to be named Smith Field

Jim Smith

FLEMINGTON – Back in April of 2010, Jim Smith shared a proud moment with a large crowd, as the lights were dedicated at the Flemington Elementary School (FES) Ball Field. Smith, along with some other dedicated Flemington residents, worked tirelessly to make this $87,000 project come to fruition, and on April 29, 2010, it did.

Smith spearheaded the project in his capacity as chairman of the Flemington Elementary Local School Improvement Council (LSIC). Through his dedication, and the dedication of those he inspired to help, the children of the Flemington community now have a well-lighted ball field to play on.

This project took six years to complete, but through diligence, a positive image for Flemington took shape out of what once was a dream. In addition to the LSIC, the Taylor County Youth League, the Flemington Lions Club, and the Taylor County Board of Education, all chipped in with local residents to see the dream transform into reality.

At the June 26, 2012 Taylor County Board of Education meeting, Smith’s efforts were acknowledged, as the entire board voted unanimously to name the ball field at FES Smith Field.

“I’m pleased to learn of this,” stated Flemington Mayor, Bradley J. Mayle. “It couldn’t be more deserved by anyone else. Jim put countless hours into making the project of lighting the field a reality for the community and especially for the kids. He is all about his community and making it the best place to call home.”

“Jim is a stout supporter of education in this community,” stated Taylor County Superintendent of Schools, Bob Maynard. “He was a mainstay in the effort for the field at FES. It was clear why the board made the unanimous decision to honor him.”

Smith has been in service to the Taylor County community since he started working at the Taylor County Junior High School in 1959. He served as the seventh-grade basketball coach at the school, and many still remember his guidance in that capacity.

“This is an honor that is long overdue,” stated Grafton High School Athletic Director, Rich Bord. “Not only has he been a great coach for the kids, he has been a positive fixture in Taylor County for years.”

In 1972, Smith became a member of the Flemington Lions Club. He still serves that group today, and is proud of the many accomplishments the club has accomplished over the years. He chaired the Flemington Veteran’s Memorial Park Committee. The park was a four-year project that placed the names of 1,600 veterans from the community on a beautiful monument. Smith is very proud that family members, of those who served, can now visit the monument and have more personal contact.

Smith also served as the Mayor of Flemington. In that capacity, he was instrumental in bringing sanitary sewer into the area.

Smith is currently a member of the Flemington Town Council, serves on the Flemington Days Fair and Festival Committee, and is a positive, well-respected member of the Flemington Community.

“Together, we plant flowers, and place flags, around town to make it beautiful for everyone,” Mayle stated.

In her last official act as a member of the Taylor County Board of Education, Julie Gregory, who had served board from the Flemington area, made the public announcement of the board’s decision.