He was born on March 14,1928, to Ernest and Lucy Smith in Afton, Texas. He married Lillian Pauline Faulkinberry on July 5,1949. They had two children - Larry Smith of Newcastle, Oklahoma and Lawanda Dorris of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
He served in the Army for two years as a supply handler in Korea during wartime. He worked as a construction foreman and retired from LB Moss Company. He enjoyed watching OU football and professional baseball. He also enjoyed gardening and keeping his lawn in top shape.
James is survived by his children, Larry Smith and his wife Vickie, and Lawanda Dorris; seven grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian Pauline; his father, Ernest Smith and his mother. Lucy Smith. He is preceded in death by four brothers, Lloyd Smith, Roy Newman, Arthur Smith and Ernest Smith Jr.
Visitation will be Monday March 3, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Bill Eisenhour Funeral Home at Sunny Lane Cemetery. Funeral services will be Tuesday March 4, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Bill Eisenhour Funeral Home at Sunny Lane Cemetery with Pastor Craig Dacus officiating.
Interment will follow at Sunny Lane Cemetery at 4000 SE 29 St in Del City, Oklahoma.
Pallbearers will be Jerry Faulkinberry, Bill Woolsey, Barry Smith, Joey Smith, Logan Smith, and Matt Smith
