CAMP READ ASSOCIATION
Gather 'round the (Virtual) Campfire:
Stories from Camp Read's Past
Celebration of Life:
James J. Smith
1935 – June 7, 2026
After Saturday dinner in Newton Hall, the attendees of the Fall 2026 weekend at Camp attended a Celebration of Life for James J. Smith who passed on June 7th.
Jim was a Professional Scouter and District Executive in the Washington Irving Council and also served as a Scoutmaster and Camp Director at Camp Read. He was a founding board member of the Camp Read Association and was our first Activities Chairman. Jim served and guided us through the first 37 years of our existence.
For many of us Jim was a mentor and friend who had a profound effect on our lives. As Camp Director Jim created a culture of quality program and camaraderie that was passed on to generations of Camp Read Staff. This culture guided the staffs into outstanding teamwork, respect for one another and the mindset of never letting another staff man down. Perhaps his greatest skill was developing people. That’s where his influence was felt by many of us who either worked for him or witnessed his leadership and tried to emulate it. Since many of us were in our “formative years”, he got us off on the right foot and changed many of our lives for the better. We are his legacy and living proof that he made a difference!
Jim was responsible for getting five former staff into Professional Scouting careers. One of these five was John V. “Doc” Aliberto who knew Jim from his Boy Scout days and referred to Jim as “the Master of Campfire Program”. Jim would use index cards to list your song or skit, and the “act” before and after yours so that you would know when it was your turn to perform. There was no need for introductions and the program progressed smoothly with one act following another. Many have continued to use this technique. In fact, index cards were used for the Presenters in this Celebration of Life in honor of Jim.
In the months prior to Jim’s passing, several of the CRA Board members participated in a few Zoom calls with Jim. This was a great idea from another lifelong friend, Russell Borner, who worked with Jim at Camp Read during the mid-1950’s. Thanks to Russ, and to Will Langham for setting up the Zoom calls, so that Jim and all could enjoy the old stories from days passed at camp. One such story centered around “Big Red” a camp truck that was used during the 60’s and 70’s. Will made a model of the truck and is in the process of writing a story about Big Red with input from those who remember driving or riding in the truck. Stay tuned for the story coming soon on our webpage.
Below is the Program followed by a list of Participants. These former staff and friends of Jim shared their stories and relationship with him. Many expressed that Jim was the “best boss they ever had”. He had the outstanding ability to leverage your strengths and help you improve areas that needed improvement. There were many common themes expressed by those who spoke. Jim led by example with leadership skills second to none, and he served as a mentor to many. He kept us together over the years by staying in touch. Most of all Jim was a lifelong friend.
It’s the special people we meet along life’s road who help us appreciate the journey. Jim was one of them!
Fall 2026 Jim Smith Celebration of Life Participants:
1. Tim Haag – Pledge of Allegiance
2. Mark Layton – Scout Oath
3. Bailey Pitonza – Scout Law
4. Tom Dietz – Prayer for Scouts BSA
5. Dick Trier – Introduction
6. Ron Green – Recognition of Jim’s Contributions
7. Dave Miller
8. Tom Hunter
9. Russell Borner
10. Denis Pisanello
11. Ron Phillips
12. Charlie Strohman
13. Will Langham
14. Jonathan Hall: read write-ups sent by Matt Terribile, and Bob Gwinn
15. Tom Dietz: read his own and write-ups from Bill Brucker, John V. “Doc” Aliberto and Peter Scott Oberdorf
Peter Scott Oberdorf and Jim were lifelong friends who helped each other through life. Especially over the past five or so years, Peter helped Jim and supported him to the end. Their camaraderie and mutual respect were excellent examples of an outstanding friendship and relationship. They were true and loyal Camp Read Staff.
Peter wrote the following:
The last words of Jesus Christ were: into your hands I command my spirit.
The last words of Nathan Hale were: I regret that I have but one life to give for my country.
The last words of Jim Smith were: the carburetor is not carb-ing and the generator is not gen-ing!
I asked him at the time if he was at a garage, but he did not reply.
I tried to figure it out.
He passed peacefully three days later.
I puzzled over his words and then came to understand that this was Jim … this was a metaphor … the body parts were no longer working …
Jim made a lasting and indelible impression on each of us … may we remember and treasure that always!
He was my good and loyal friend, advisor, counselor, confidant, housemate, driver, mentor … for seventy years since we first met at Camp Read in the mid nineteen fifties.
He was these things and more to each of you and to many others.
He left his positive mark on each of us and on the world.
RIP Brother,
Peter Scott
Jim left this quote to all of us:
“A good life is a collection of happy moments. Thank You for being a special part of my collection.”
Respectfully submitted,
Ron Green, Dick Trier & Tom Dietz
Photos below are courtesy of Tom Hunter.
For generations, summer after summer, scouts have been making memories at Camp Read. In 2020, the pandemic may have forced regular activities to pause, but campers from years gone by are sharing their stories here in an effort to fill in the gap. Read on to get your fix of Camp Read hijinks until we can safely fill a parade ground once more!
Have a story of your own? Please submit to webmaster@campread.org!
For all Association updates, click here to join our mailing list!
L. to R.: Dick Trier, Ken D'Apice, Tom Dietz, Ron Phillips, Tom Gwinn, Bill Brucker, Bob Gwinn, Tom Hunter, Jim Smith, Marty Faussen, Wayne Britton, Bob Neely.
Note: Picture from first reunion at camp, 1979. Submitted by Bob Gwinn. Camp sign by Richard J. Dietz.