Reproductive Vet, Hagyard Partner Smith Dies at 86

Veterinarian Dr. James Donovan Smith, a senior partner at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute for more than 40 years, died Dec. 28. He was 86.

Smith, of Lexington and husband of Judy Smith, passed away surrounded in love by his family.

Born Oct. 10, 1934, in Hutchinson, Kan., to the late Raymond and Anita Smith, Smith earned his bachelor and doctorate degrees in veterinary medicine at Kansas State University where he was a member of the Gamma Epsilon Chapter of Beta Theta Pi. Known affectionately as "Doc," Smith developed a love for equine medicine during his studies. 

This passion led him to specialize in equine reproductive medicine and ophthalmology. Smith enjoyed a long and successful career at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. As a senior partner, he mentored and encouraged many young veterinarians. 

In the comment section of Smith's online obituary, John B. Hughes, an equine reproduction specialist in Ireland, recalled that guidance.

"He was a great friend but more importantly a wonderful mentor to me," Hughes said. "I arrived in Lexington in the second half of the 1960s and Jim befriended me and took me on board as a student. I learned so much from him and Ed Fallon, I am eternally grateful. I returned to Ireland in November '70 and have put all the experience and knowledge they bestowed upon me to good use and have enjoyed my last 50 years in equine reproduction."

Smith's obituary notes that he instilled a lifelong love of learning with everyone he met as an active member of both the veterinary and civic world, serving as president of the Kentucky Equine Practitioners Association, a well as a board member, secretary, and treasurer of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. 

Smith was active in Rotary, the Kentucky Equine Drug Council, the Fayette County Board of Education, the Kentucky Equine Practitioners Infectious Disease Committee, Quality Assurance Program of the Association of Racing Commissioners International, The Jockey Club Medication Commission, The Committee on Environmental Affairs for the American Veterinary Medical Association, The George T. Fairchild Society, The Bluegrass Boys Ranch, and sat on the board of the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center.

After retiring from practice, he was involved in the Christian Muslim Dialogue, BUILD Nehemiah Action, The Cricket Club, and Birthright of Lexington—receiving the Louise Summerhill Award in 2017 along with his wife.  

Smith's other awards include the Joan F. Pew Award from ARCI, the E.R. Frank Award for Meritorious Service, the KSU Distinguished Veterinary Alumni Award, Registry of Merit from the American Quarter Horse Association, and he was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel.

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center, PO Box 910124, Lexington, Ky., 40591 or St. Paul Catholic Church, 425 W. Short St., Lexington, Ky., 40507.