James P Smith:
CLASS OF 1977
Southampton High SchoolClass of 1977
Southampton, NY
SUNY College at PlattsburghClass of 1981
Plattsburgh, NY
Suffolk Community CollegeClass of 1979
Riverhead, NY
James P's Story
After my B.S. in Accounting and Honors in Economics at: SUNY at Plattsburgh; I have been working in field of accounting and income taxes until November 2007. In Phoenix, Arizona I had Left Shoulder Rotator Cuff surgery including an arc of bone cut out of my left collarbone. I am left handed so my physical therapy was quite intensive. Before leaving Long Island, New York I also had three knee surgeries and two screws in left tibia between 1992--1999. Lost parents to cancer and heart problems; Mom in 1994 and Dad in 1999.
Met a girl from Brentwood, NY in Summer 1982 and got married in 1989. Still married; we are "DINK"'s: Double Income, No Kids. I never wanted to do the "Dad" thing. Best decision I ever made. If you want a tax deduction, open an IRA; just joking.
We enjoy Phoenix, AZ. But, I have to admit, I remember and miss "Coopers Beach". I didn't think I would miss the sound of the ocean, until I was over 2,000 miles from the Atlantic Ocean.
We enjoy going to NASCAR events at Phoenix International Raceway.
I am a HUGE Allman Brothers fan, and Gregg Allman fan. In December 2006, I got the only backstage passes at the Celebrity Theatre; for my wife and I, and I got to speak to the members of "Gregg Allman and Friends" Band, met Gregg Allman and he signed the cd-cover of "The Allman Brothers Band at Stony Brook, NY". Gregg's son, Devon Allman, guitarist for the band "Honeytribe" was the opening band. I met him as well and got autographs all around. What a Great Night!
In January 1980 I was on a Pit Crew at the 24 hour Race at Daytona International Speedway, now called "The Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona". I am not a mechanic, but am very analytical, so it worked out okay. It was very intense watching and hearing race cars at 220+ MPH at 2 AM.
So, not all accountants are boring. I am still known as "the funniest accountant in NY" and since Labor Day 2000, when the wife and I moved near her mother's home in Phoenix, AZ, I am now known as "the funniest accountant in AZ".
Even though my wife Karen was from Brentwood, NY, she worked over 15 years at the Rite Aid in Bridgehampton, NY as Assistant Manager in that store and Cosmetics Manager for 15 Rite Aid stores all over Long Island and Brooklyn.
Since leaving ...Expand for more
S.H.S. in 1977, I left the name "J.P." behind, and am known as "Jim Smith".
I lost my hair during "The Tax Reform Act of 1986" so that's the reason I have posted no pictures. Hair today, gone tommorrow.
Met some nice people while at accounting firms over the years: Peter Jennings, John Eastman, (Linda McCartney's Brother), a French Chef who wrote for the New York Times.
I met Paul Newman a couple of times at a race car track in Lime Rock Park, CT.
I guess after all, 1977 was the End of a New Beginning, and not the Beginning of the End.
Many Years and Many Beers ago, I would call it.
And, my strongest connection to S.H.S was the High School Band. I remember EVERY band member, with fond memories.
I never continued with the Trumpet after 1977, but still have it. Asthma and Diabetes and...getting older makes it more difficult to think about playing trumpet again. But, maybe I'll just pick it up again...for an audience of One, me. I just might get a standing ovation. LOL.
Sorry, Julie...I never did get to the stature of Maynard Fergeson.
Best regards to all who may read this.
In HIS service, for G-d's Glory,
Jim Smith
a/k/a: (J.P.)
Read: Galatians 3:26.
_______________________________________
The one person, of many, from my past who I'd most like to see again is James B. Smith, because I never heard from him after S.H.S and our "names" in S.H.S were "J.B." for him and "J.P." for me.
_______________________________________
I would also love to hear from my S.H.S. Band Members again. We spent so much time in "homeroom" and in rehearsals so I miss them all. Time passes so quickly and I wish to re-connect with people who made such an impact in my life, even though they did not know it. "Go Mariners".
I would like to re-connect because "Ain't Wasting Time No More"; written by Gregg Allman three weeks after Duane Allman's death 10.31.1971.
"Eat a Peach For Peace"; from a Duane Allman quote on a question "What are you doing for the revolution?"; WPLJ-FM radio; 1971.
(That is how The Allman Brothers Band album / cd was named: "Eat A Peach").
Please respond, if you wish.
Many kind thanks and Best Regards.
May G-d hold you in the Palm of His Hand.
If you contact me, perhaps we could do a private chat.
Register for Free to view all details!
Yearbooks
Register for Free to view all yearbooks!
Reunions
