James Henry Smith was born to Andrew and Eleanor Smith in Osceola on January 8, 1954. He departed this life on Wednesday May 4, 2022, at his home.

James attended Arkadelphia High School, but graduated from Magnolia High School in 1972 due to the racial riot in Arkadelphia. He was also a faithful employee for 42-1/2 years at Firestone Building Parts in Prescott, where he served as Union President for more than 25 years. 

James married Myrplean Purifoy and to that union was born two sons, James Patrick Smith and Corey D. Smith. In 2010, James was joined in holy matrimony to Annette Johnson and through this union gained two bonus daughters, Talitha VanHook and Brandy Stuckey.

James was a faithful member and Deacon of Faith Temple Church of God in Christ where he served as Assistant Adult Sunday School Teacher.

James leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Annette; two sons, Patrick Smith of Atlanta, Ga., and Corey Smith of Malvern; two bonus daughters, Talith (Carlos) Vanhook of Prescott, and Brandy Stuckey of Plano, Texas; four sisters, Dorothy (Charles) Wilson of Portland, Ore., Elmarie (Bill) Hearn of Lacey, Wash., Barbara Smith of Atlanta, Ga., Flora Smith of Tyler, Texas; and one brother, Andrew (Latosha) Smith of Texarkana, Texas; two grandchildren, Janiah Smith and King Smith of Arkadelphia; and a host of nieces, nephews, and bonus grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, May 13, at Williams Funeral Home. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 14, at Lighthouse of Deliverance Church of God In Christ with Elder Andrew Smith, eulogist. Interment will be at Gum Springs Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Carlos VanHook, Colby Tillman, Willie Young, Carlos Vanhook, Jackie Tate and Carl Cummins. Honorary pallbearers will be Dwight Dixon, Ted Cromartie, Robert Malone, Robert Williams, Danny Glass and Steve Beckman.