A former Dundee High School head of chemistry, senior science master, and Scottish Examination Board principal examiner of chemistry has been laid to rest in a family funeral.
James Smart passed away on May 27, aged 92.
Mr Smart was born in Carnoustie on March 30, 1925 and he was educated at Arbroath Academy and the University of St. Andrews.
Upon graduating in 1946, Mr Smart joined B.X. Plastics where he worked as a research and development chemist until 1953.
Returning to St Andrews to complete his diploma in education, Mr Smart joined the staff of Dundee High School in 1954, where he became senior science master and principal teacher of chemistry.
His career spanned 46 years and he finally retired in 2000.
In addition to his teaching career, he was a prominent figure on the Scottish Examination Board.
In this capacity he joined various working parties that included the setting of national examination papers, and he held the position of principal examiner of sixth year studies in chemistry for Scotland.
Beyond Mr Smart’s educational career, he was an active member and fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, and a founder member of the Tayside section.
In addition he wrote an academic paper entitled “Chemistry – Practical Work in CSYS” which is still published and referred to today.
Mr Smart’s great passion was golf. He was a life-member of Carnoustie Golf Club which he joined in 1944, and he continued to enjoy playing well into his later years.
Mr Smart was also a life member of the Royal Tay Yacht Club, the Incorporation of the Tailor’s Trade of Dundee (of which he was deacon in 2004-2005) and he was a longstanding member of the congregations of St Luke’s Church and Queen Street Church in Broughty Ferry, and latterly a member of Panbride Church, Carnoustie.
Mr Smart is survived by his wife Sophie, his son Graeme, his daughter Carolyn and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
