James was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He proudly served in the United States Air Force during World War II and the Korean War. Following his military time, he was employed with the Soil Conservation Service in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) until retirement. Following retirement, James and his wife Patricia moved to Fredericksburg, Texas where they lived until moving to Lufkin.
He enjoyed camping and belonged to the Camping Squares and The National United Methodist Campers. He volunteered at Angelina County Senior Citizens and with the sewing bunch at Woodland Heights Medical Center. Also, James was a member of the American Legion.
James was an active member of the Lufkin United Methodist Church and helped with some of their local mission projects. He also volunteered with the Lufkin FUMC on mission trips to UMCOR Sager Brown (United Methodist Committee on Relief).
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Patricia (Thruston) Smathers; sons, Royce Smathers and wife Robin of Kirbyville and Keith Smathers and wife Ana Marie of Seabrook; daughter, Ramonda Krauss and husband Matthew of China; 8 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Marilyn Reid of Lubbock; and numerous friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sisters, Frances Barrick, Marion (Bud) Smathers, Lester Smathers, Winfred (Pee Wee) Smathers, Harriet Lange; and grandson, Nathan Krauss.
The family suggests memorials be made to Lufkin First United Methodist Church, 805 East Denman Avenue, Lufkin, TX 75901; to United Methodist Committee on Relief, Sager-Brown, P O Box 850, Baldwin, LA 70514; or to a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be offered at www.gipsonfuneralhome.com
Services have been placed in the trust of Gipson Funeral Home.
