James Allen Smith, Sr. affectionately known as “Pops” was born on August 25, 1937 in Bartow, Georgia to his parents John Westley Smith and Ruth Mae Allen. He attended schools in Bartow, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida.

James later met and married Mary Etta Francis in Jacksonville, Florida. From this union was born one son, James Allen Smith Jr., and three daughters, Adrienne Denise Smith, Sharon Danette Smith-Watkins (Anthony), and Mary Elizabeth Smith-Sermon (Lynn).

James departed this life on March 4, 2018 and was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Mae Allen; father, John Westley Smith; stepmother, Donnie Mae Smith; brother, Willie James Smith; and sister, Mildred Smith Wright.

James leaves to cherish his memories a loving wife, Mary E. Smith; children, Adrienne Denise Smith, Sharon Danette Smith Watkins, James Smith Jr., and Mary Elizabeth Smith Sermons; 10 grandchildren, Marquis, ShaC’anna, James III, Johnathan, Justin, Tyree, Chance, Chael, Landon, Carson and Chase Smith; siblings, Eddie Smith, George Westley Smith (Peggy), Lonnie Smith (Denise), Willie Lester Smith (Lucille), Lamar Smith (Ola Mae), and Leroy Smith (Courtney); special friend/godfather, Dr. Richard G. Skinner Jr.; special friend/godbrother, LaVictor Bennett; special friend, Steven Frazier; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

James A Smith passed away Monday, March 4th, 2018 . Arrangements in Care of: Funerals by T.S. Warden, 904-765-1234