He was a native of El Paso, Texas and had been a resident of Lake Charles for the last 8 years, coming from Minden. He was a member of Celebration Worship Center in Sulphur. James was an ordained minister in The Assemblies of God. He worked as a Counselor with New Horizons Counseling Center under Brenda Roberts and had previously been involved with Teen Challenge along with his wife, Amy. He received his Master's of Counseling from Capella University. He absolutely loved counseling and helping others work toward having good mental health. James loved his family dearly.
Survivors include his wife of 21 years, Amy Schroeder Smothers of Lake Charles; his children, James Alex Smothers of Texas, and Charli Smothers, Cianna Smothers, Cadance Smothers, and Case Smothers all of Lake Charles; his step-father, Charlie Hess of Arlington, Texas; his sister, Robin Baadsgaard and husband, Jeff of Arlington, Texas; and his aunt, Betty Seago and husband, Guy of Florida. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jerry Smothers and Carol Hess.
A Celebration of James' Life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, September 30, in Celebration Worship Center in Sulphur followed by a reception at the church. Pastor David Mosely and Loyal Rowland will officiate. Words of comfort and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.
