James Rexford Smelley was born May 16, 1947 in Corrigan, Texas to Wyman Devoe and Vera Irene (Parrish) Smelley. He passed from this life on April 2, 2024 in Garrison, Texas, attaining the age of 76 years, 10 months and 16 days.
He was born and raised in Corrigan and graduated from the Corrigan High School. He was a “Daddy’s Boy” and he enjoyed going hunting and fishing with his father. These memories stayed with him through the years and his favorite pastime remained hunting and fishing. James also loved bird-watching as well as camping at the lake with his family. He also had a collection of “unicorns” that meant a lot to him.
James worked at the paper mill in Lufkin until his retirement and was a member of the Garrison Community for over 40 years.
James and Sherry Ann (Hartt) Libby Smelley were united in marriage until her death on June 18, 2020. Surviving him are his sons: Justin Smelley & wife Marisa of Garrison, Carey Libby of Nacogdoches, Christopher Libby of Pasadena, and Darren Libby & wife Lindsay of Garrison; 12 Grandchildren; and siblings: Shirley Smelley, Susan Hubbard & husband Hal, Ann Standley, Debra Vitanza & husband Victor, Devoe Smelley and Dollie Maske & husband Gary.
He was preceded in death by both of his parents, his wife, one brother, Allan Ray Smelley, and his daughter-in-law, Kristen Libby.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 14th at 3:00 p.m. in the Cason Monk-Metcalf Chapel. A time to visit with family and friends will start at 2:00 p.m.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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