James was often referred to as “Daddy, Pawpaw, Sonny or Smitty.” He is the son of Arthur Smith and Mavin Chance Smith of Troy, Al.
He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Jan Smith Grandalski.
Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Jeanette Holladay Smith; one daughter, Joy Smith Campbell (Roy), 7 Grandchildren, Rachel Grandalski Marbury, Kevin Grandalski (Avelia), Jarod Grandalski (Cece), Christopher Campbell, Bethany Campbell Duncan (Jamie), Kaylie Campbell, Jamisen Campbell and two great grandchildren. Surviving siblings are Allie Mae Wilkes, Sara Brooks, Sally Thomas and Sue Bhatti.
Active pallbearers will be grandsons and grandsons in law, Kevin Grandalaski, Jarod Grandalski, Christopher Campbell, Jamisen Campbell, Jamie Duncan, and Jonathan Monplaisir. Honored to serve as honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy Jacks and Richard Knott.
The family will visit with friends from 2:00 until 3:00 PM on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at Alabama Heritage Funeral Home 10505 Atlanta Highway Montgomery, AL 36117. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday with Rev. Jason Holladay officiating. A graveside committal will take place immediately following the funeral service in Alabama Heritage Cemetery.
