<p>That the Cambridge School Committee go on record in extending its condolences to the family of James 'Jimmy' Albert Smith, Jr., assuring his family of the Committee's deep and heartfelt sympathy. And further, that a copy of the following resolution be inscribed to the memory of Jimmy Smith in the archives of the Cambridge School Committee as well as a formal copy to be prepared by the Executive Secretary to the School Committee and sent to the family of Jimmy Smith. City of Cambridge School Committee Resolution of Respect for Jimmy Albert Smith, Jr. Those we love are never really lost to us we feel them in so many special ways through friends they always cared about and dreams they left behind, in beauty that they added to our days in words of wisdom we still carry with us and memories that never will be gone... Those we love are never really lost to us for everywhere their special love lives on. The Members of the Cambridge School Committee were filled with great sorrow upon the announcement of Jimmy Smith's passing on March 11, 2020.</p> <p>His optimism, courage and infectious personality touched the hearts and lives of not only hundreds of students, but of the countless audience members who were filled with laughter and joy by his words, song, and dance.</p> <p>With his charisma and resilience, he became a most unique and irreplaceable treasure of our community. </p> <p>Whereas: Jimmy Albert Smith, Jr. was a lifelong Cantabrigian and proud son of the late James and Evanon Smith-born in Cambridge on August 14, 1953 and graduated from Cambridge High School and Latin High School in 1971; and </p> <p>Whereas: In 1972, Jimmy began to give back to his home as a teacher and mentor of the Cambridge Music Department, where he would become a favorite among students and faculty for the next 43 years; and </p> <p>Whereas: His talent and charm transcended the classroom when he started performing comedy in the early 1980s as he quickly grew from a young comic to a star performer, headlining clubs and colleges all over New England; and </p> <p>Whereas: For over three decades, Jimmy was a cornerstone of the New England comedy and music scenes-singing, scatting, dancing, writing, performing, and opening for innumerable legendary acts, including Ray Charles, Bette Midler, and Tina Turner; and </p> <p>Whereas: Jimmy exhibited incredible strength in the last decade of his life, continuing to share the warmth and gift of his art with us, as he battled an endless series of illnesses; and </p> <p>Whereas: Jimmy is survived by his loving wife Susan Dong Smith of Cambridge, his brother Steven Smith and sister-in-law Darlene Smith of Groveland, who join hundreds of extended family members and friends to grieve his passing and celebrate his life; now therefore be it</p> <p>RESOLVED: That the Cambridge School Committee assures his family of our deep and heartfelt sympathy.Ê We extend profound condolences on the passing of Jimmy Smith; and be it further</p> <p>RESOLVED: That a copy of this resolution be inscribed to the memory of Jimmy Smith in the archives of the Cambridge School Committee.</p>

School Committee Actions

Action Action Date Reconsidered By Referred to Subcommitee
04/07/2020 Adopted

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