29 For a full list of obituaries visit www.theiet.org/obituaries James C Smith CBE FRSE FREng CEng FIET November 1927 – August 2018 James C Smith, an IEE Past President, has died at the age of 90. He will be remembered for his dedication to engineering and the electrical supply industry. James began his career in marine engineering, leaving school at 15 to become an apprentice with Brown Brothers, an Edinburgh firm that specialised in ships equipment. When studying for his apprenticeship qualifications at Herriot-Watt College, evening classes were essential. James’ normal week comprised of three nights at college, three nights scouting and war duty, and one night catching up on homework and whatever leisure possible. After his apprenticeship, James went to sea as a Marine Engineer Officer. He soon took his Chief Engineers Ticket and assumed responsibility for the smooth running of the engine room of a 12,000-ton passenger-cargo vessel. The progression from being a sea-going engineer to electrical power generation seemed perfectly logical as both depended on steam turbines. He joined the forerunner of the South of Scotland Electricity Board in 1952 and so began the generation side of his career. After a period in the Midlands where he was in charge of some of the larger power stations, James took on the post of Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Electricity Service. In this role he had total responsibility for the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity during two major political strikes. In 1977 he was appointed by the Secretary of State for Energy to be Chairman of East Midlands Electricity Board, and later invited to become Chairman of the larger and technically more difficult Eastern Electricity Board. Combining his common sense approach to problems and his interest in people, he led the Eastern Board and the other Boards into the unchartered waters of privatisation. For most of his career in electrical power generation James was a member of the IEE, the precursor organisation of the IET. Becoming President in 1989, he indicated in his address that his priority was the IEE’s “important work to produce electrical knowledge and technology”. He argued that the electricity supply industry was key to meeting energy needs, resulting in “better control of the environment and more efficient use of fuel.” Not surprisingly James was affiliated with numerous other professional bodies and organisations. Among his achievements, he was a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineers from 1988, Master of the Worshipful Company of Engineers between 1997-1998, and he received a CBE in 1989. James was married to Moira B Hogg in 1954 and he always said that his success in life was due to this very special partnership. He leaves behind a son and daughter. Obituary provided by Elaine Smith. Obituaries James C Smith CBE FRSE FREng CEng FIET November 2018 – Member News www.theiet.org/member-news