James Smith, Jr.

James Smith Jr. also known to many as” Smitty” was born August 13, 1939 to James Smith Sr. and Willie Lee Jackson in Yazoo, Mississippi. James was raised by his grandfather James Crawford, where he confessed in Christ at an early age.

James Jr. was educated in Yazoo County Schools District. During his school years he was a valuable member of the varsity high school football team. After high school he moved to Chicago, Illinois and enlisted in the United States Navy as an electrician. He retired from the military in 1981 after 20 years of service and made Norfolk, Virginia his home. After retirement, James was employed a civilian electrician contractor for the United States Navy.

James enjoyed fishing, working in his lawn and spending time with his family, especially his grandson Jayceon.

He departed this life at 6:22 am on December 30, 2021 at Sentara Leigh Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia.

James was preceded in death by his father James Smith Sr, his mother Willie Lee Jackson, two sisters Everlean “Ora Lee” Washington, and Inell Carter and brother David Lee.
James leaves to cherish his loving memories, three daughters Patricia Johnson (Perry) of Champaign, Illinois, Carolyn Bowdry (Clarence) of Hopewell, Virginia, and Jacqueline Roberts of Norfolk, Virginia, two sons Vincent Smith (Sherry) of Chicago, Illinois and Fredrick Smith of Atlanta, Georgia; five sisters Joyce Jones and Annie Perry of Chicago, Illinois, Dolean Jackson Decator, Ernestine Normore, and Gertrude Johnson all of Wichita, Kansas; three brothers King Ward Jr of Chicago, Illinois, Robert Jackson and Willie Jackson of Milwaukee, Wisconsin ; eleven grandchildren, five great grandchildren and a host of very special nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors.

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