Mr. Smith’s Founder, James Haight, 1930-2016

James F. Haight, 86, of Alexandria, Virginia, died April 26. He is survived by his partner of 41 years, Nguyen Van Hoc’, daughter Kimberly M Haight, daughter-in-law Sherrie Haight, grandchildren Jessica, Leland and Kathryn, younger brother Tom, niece and nephews Cindy, Tim and Tony and their children.

After the Air Force and during a career in finance, Haight focused on opening Bixby’s restaurant — and his favorite, Mr. Smith’s, at 3104 M St. NW, in 1973. He also owned the legendary Guards and Sundown, Georgetown’s largest discotheque in the 1970s. Haight’s civic memberships included the Georgetown Business Association and the Citizens Association of Georgetown.

Funeral at Jefferson Funeral Chapel in Alexandria: Friday, May 6, viewing; service, 11 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 7. Let’s sing a song and lift a glass to Jim.