Rest in Peace, Jim Smith | Mike McCabe Earns Service Award | Eager Beaver Recap to Come
CAMP READ ASSOCIATION
Gather 'round the (Virtual) Campfire:
Stories from Camp Read's Past
Remembering
James J. (Jim) Smith
1935 - 2026
Jim at the 1993 Potluck Dinner
It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Jim Smith on Sunday, June 7.
Jim was a founding Board Member of the Camp Read (Alumni) Association and served as our first Activities VP. He was a Professional Scouter and District Executive for the Washington Irving Council, BSA. Jim also served as a Scoutmaster at Camp Read and Director of Camp Tomahawk.
He was a mentor and good friend to many of our Association Members. Jim was responsible for influencing five of his former staff to join the ranks of Professional Scouters. The Events Page on this website provides a recap of the 2023 Annual Fall Hike Weekend. It contains a tribute to Jim from four of the five Professionals and recognition of Jim as the "Creator of Camp Read Culture of Quality Program and Camaraderie."
To quote Bill Brucker, one of the five: "The staff you built has largely become a Band of Brothers that have spanned the years… We are all deeply in debt to you for Leadership, Mentorship, and most important of all, your Friendship! We are your Legacy and Living Proof that You Have Made a Difference!"
Jim will be sorely missed by the Association and all those who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him.
We plan to have a "Celebration of Life" for Jim at the upcoming Fall Hike Weekend (September 25 – 27, 2026). More details to follow.
Condolences can be sent to Jim's sister:
Catherine McQuade
12805 Astonwood Dr.
Apt. 307
Tampa, FL 33626
Donations in Jim's honor can be made to the Camp Read Association. Please see the Donate page on this website (campread.org).
Jim Smith (seated front row, center)- 1968 Tomahawk Staff
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!
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