James Keith Smith

James Keith Smith was born in Cumby, Texas, on March 10, 1933 to parents Herman H. and Maud Jared Smith, and went to be with the Lord on January 27, 2024. He was raised in Cumby with his 3 brothers and 1 sister.

James married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Dee Lewis Smith, in 1951. They raised their four children in Eastland, Hurst, and Colleyville, Texas . He was well loved by his four children: Cynthia Ann Butcher; Kenneth James Smith; Terri Lynn Trammell, married to Troy Trammell; and Tamara Kay Jackson, married to Curtis Jackson.

James was so proud of his eight grandchildren: Brian James Butcher, married to Michele Butcher; Richard Bradley Butcher; Matthew James Trammell, married to Kelsey Trammell; Morgan Haley Smith; Felicia Renee Jackson; Garrett Thomas Smith; Chancie Trammell Lopez, married to Mauricio Lopez; Kaitlyn Jackson Wilson, married to Logan Wilson.

James was also blessed with 9 great grandchildren: Blake Butcher, Brilen Butcher, Brinley Butcher, Jared Trammell, Lucas Andre, Charlotte Andre, Casey Wilson, Madilynn Andre, and Parker Mae Lopez.

James and Dorothy started their marriage in Cumby, Texas, but soon moved to Mineral Wells for a job at Perry Bros Variety Store. The family moved to Eastland in 1955, so James could be the manager of the Perry Bros Eastland location. He was the youngest manager in Perry Bros history. While in Eastland, they purchased The Men’s Shop and owned it for many years. It was in Eastland that they formed friendships that would last a lifetime. In 1966, they moved the family again to Hurst to be Operations Manager of several Gibson’s Discount Centers with his father and brothers. Later, he became owner of the Grand Prairie location until its closing in 1987. Over the years, he owned and operated many businesses including Econo Paper Plates, Whirl King Fertilizer Spreaders, Fashion Furniture, and Downtown Bingo. In 1970, they purchased land in Colleyville where they would build their forever home. The home was finished, and the family moved for the last time in 1971. This home would become the hub of all family events for 53 years.

When he wasn’t spending time with family and friends, James loved to garden, hunt, fish, and play golf. He and Dorothy loved to travel, and Las Vegas was a favorite spot over the years. He was a master gardener and knew all the ins and outs of growing the perfect tomato along with a variety

of other fruits, vegetables, and flowers. His garden was known by family, friends, and neighbors as a garden where all were welcome to help themselves. James was an avid hunter and loved sharing this passion with all the hunters in the Smith family along with extended family and friends as they visited various deer leases together.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Dorothy Dee, his 4 loving children, 8 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Genevieve Couch along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Herman J. Smith, Gerald W. Smith, and Larry T. Smith, along with many longtime friends.

A visitation for James will be held Wednesday, January 31, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home, 5725 COLLEYVILLE BLVD, COLLEYVILLE, TX 76034. A funeral service will occur Thursday, February 1, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 5725 COLLEYVILLE BLVD, COLLEYVILLE, TX 76034. A committal service will occur Thursday, February 1, 2024 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Cumby, Cumby, TX 75433.