James Louis Smith

My Life's Journey “When I come to the end of my journey and the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom filled room. Why cry for a soul set free?” Life’s journey began for James Louis when he was born June 17, 1953, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. He was the fourth of seven children born to the union of Willie and Mary Jane Jones Smith. James was raised in the Mt. Morriah Community and confessed his faith in Christ at a young age. He was a member of Mt. Morriah Baptist Church. James was a 1973 graduate of Arkadelphia Sr. High School. James possessed a strong work ethic and modeled the scripture 2 Thessalonians 3:10 "If anyone doesn't want to work, he shouldn't eat." He was a faithful employee of Morse Automotive and Petit Jean Poultry. James was not only a father to his children but he was a father to all. He would offer words of encouragement if he felt the person was in need. He not only “talked the talk”, he “walked the walk.” James had his own special way in giving and receiving love. He was preceded in transition by his parents, Willie Smith and Mary Jane Smith; and two brothers, George Smith and Charles Smith. On Friday, April 19, 2013 in his 59th season of life he began his eternal celebration in a land that shall never grow old. His memory will live in the hearts of his wife, Carrie Smith of Malvern, AR; two sons, James Smith, Jr., of Malvern, AR, and Harold (LaMeka) Smith of Monroe, LA and seven grandchildren, He also leaves one sister, Alberta (Claudie) Beard of Arkadelphia; three brothers, Willie Smith of Arkadelphia, Wardell (Mary) Smith and David (Debbie) Smith both of Nashville, TN; four aunts, Irma Jean House of Grand Rapids, MI, Christine Quarles, Dorothy Luster and Zelma Smith of Arkadelphia; two uncles, Cleveland Smith and Douglas Smith of Malvern; special friend Sandra Henderson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Public visitation will be held on Thursday, April 25th from 12 noon until 7:00 pm at the funeral home and the family will greet and receive friends from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be on Friday, April 26th at 1:00 pm at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Rev. J.L. Newborn will officiate. The committal service will be held at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Arkadelphia. Click Video Tribute tab to watch video.