Mr. Smith grew up in the melon business as his father, James H. Smith, affectionately known as Cantaloupe Smith throughout his career, started the family business in 1918. Son Don worked on the farm throughout his youth, formally joining Turlock Fruit after graduating from the University of Pacific in nearby Stockton, CA, in 1952. “In fact, my grandfather got very sick in 1951 and my dad took a year off from college to run the packing and farming operation before returning to college and joining his dad full-time after graduating.”
James Smith earned his “Cantaloupe Smith” moniker as he was a true pioneer in the California cantaloupe business. “He wasn’t the first one to grow cantaloupes, but he did pioneer the selling of California cantaloupes across the country,” Steve said of his grandfather. “I believe he was the first one to use top ice to ship them across the country.”
James H. Smith died in 1960 with Don Smith taking the reins for the next six decades. He ran the company with his brother-in-law Bill Palmer until his death in 2008. In recent years, Don, son Steve and grandson Alec have operated the organization in concert. “It’s really quite remarkable,” said Steve. “We’ve had three generations working together very successfully. We don’t always agree but we make it work.”…