We are saddened to share that Jamie – James Desmond Smith, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, January 4, 2026. He was a fantastic father and trusted friend to his two children, James Desmond (Des) Smith (Jo-Anne Allard) and Wendy Catherine Smith (William Lumsdon).
Jamie had a close relationship with his brother, Stephen Cameron Smith (Smith), and his wife, Anne. Many long weekends in Muskoka were filled with golf, good friends, and delicious food at the homes that Jamie and Doreen shared.
He was predeceased in 2024 by his wife of twenty-four years, Doreen Morrison. He is lovingly remembered by Doreen’s family: Dane Morrison, Alissa Morrison (Jim Duthie), and Shelley Reville.
Jamie was the son of Miriam Irene Blackburn and Major-General James Desmond Blaise “Des” Smith. His early years included following his father’s military postings after the war, living in Ottawa, Kingston, and London, England. Recently he reminisced about hanging from the balcony of Canada House as he watched Queen Elizabeth pass by in her carriage on Coronation Day.
After attending boarding school at Trinity College School in Port Hope, Jamie returned to live with his parents in Rockcliffe Park, Ottawa. After studying at Carleton University, he began his automotive career in truck fleet management with General Motors. Various roles led him to open Beacon Ford in Baie d’Urfe, Quebec, in 1976. He owned it with his first wife Cathy until their family left Quebec in 1982.
Sailing was a lifelong passion for Jamie. While living in Montreal, the family boat Wind Wagon was docked at the Royal St. Lawrence Yacht Club. Jamie either raced his own boat or crewed for others. An opportunity to crew on a Dragon took him to the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Dragon Trophy Series held at Britannia Yacht Club in Ottawa in July 1967. Among those present was visiting sailor HRH Prince Philip himself; by chance Jamie found himself included in a post-race audience of ten sailors with the Prince.
After moving to Oakville with his family in 1982, Jamie took on several General Manager positions at automotive dealerships around the GTA and became active with the Toronto Automobile Dealers Association. He retired from ADP Dealer Services at age sixty-five when he and Doreen moved to Muskoka full time.
Due to his interest in antique and classic boats, Jamie served on the Board of the Antique and Classic Boat Society’s Toronto Chapter from 2003-2009 and was President from 2006-2007. He also contributed on the ACBS International Board. In 2013 he was honored by being inducted into the ACBS Honour Roll for supporting classic boating.
As lead fundraiser for Grace and Speed at Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre opening its doors in Gravenhurst back in 2006 as Canada’s largest collection of classic wooden boats afloat; it has now become Muskoka Discovery Centre-a hub for regional culture and boating history. Simultaneously he played an active role restoring Miss Canada IV-an iconic piece representing Canada’s early efforts to excel in world speedboat racing.
Jamie utilized his business skills by serving on Muskoka Community Futures’ Board from 2010-2015 assisting entrepreneurs launch their ventures.
<p He is also a Past Director and Founding member of Florida Vintage Raceboat Club based out of Tavares Florida where winter months spent with Doreen included enjoying ‘Peanuts’ gatherings alongside other vintage boating fans.
Together with friend Murray Walker; they co-founded Canadian Raceboat Hall of Fame located within Bracebridge Ontario-opening its doors come 2024 this project passionately aims preserving history tied speedboat racing across Canada transitioning what started small into becoming both national archive along showcase future sport boat racing endeavors.
On March 20th ,2025 , in recognition service rendered towards nation community impact made , Jamie received King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Our family wishes express gratitude Closing Gap Home Care program nurses PSWs whose support visits throughout December eased journey through Endocarditis treatment process. Special thanks given Mary Lou Roberts providing caring friendship final year life.
A celebration life honoring memory planned spring gathering friends loved ones.
If you wish honor Jamie’s life through donations can be made:
Canadian Raceboat Hall Fame www. canadianraceboats. com
Canadian Heart Stroke Foundation www. heartandstroke. ca
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