James Earl Smith was born September 16, 1951 to Herman Smith and Elnora Smith in Ben Wheeler, Van Zandt County, TX. He attended public school in Seagoville, TX.

James was a truck driver for Coca-Cola for 29 years. He also had his own trucking company, Smitty's Trucking Co.

He was preceded in death by his father Herman Smith, mother Elnora Smith, brother Ernest Smith and brother Johnny B. Smith.

James leaves to cherish his memories loving devoted wife of 28 years, Beverly Smith; (2) daughters: Yolanda Smith and Demetria (Jamar) Gough; (1) stepdaughter and (1) stepson; (6) grandchildren: Jose Carrillo, Joshua Smith, Y'Neiman Quarles, Keontae Gough, Keylon Gough and Keshun Gough; (2) sisters: Lenora (Alfred) Stafford and Lela Mae (James) Smith; (2) brothers: Thurman (Yulinda) Smith and Michael Smith and a host of great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, great nephews and friends along with his first wife Diane   Menifee and second wife Irene Pearson.