James Smith Sr.

James Smith Obituary

SMITH James Smith, Sr., age 73, passed away March 22, 2009. James was born April 24, 1935 to Tom and Josephine Smith in New Orleans, La. James retired from Belmont Casket after 26 years and from Franklin County MR/DD after more than 15 years of service. James will be remembered for his unforgettable smile, his love and passion for sports, and his dedication to his family. He is preceded in death by his parents and 13 of his 14 siblings. Survived by his loving wife, Martha Ann Smith of Groveport, Oh.; children, Jimmy (Sherry) Smith, Tommy (Cecilia) Smith, Linda Smith, Angela (Michael) Gunn, Edward (Deborah) McClendon, Frank (Jodda) McClendon, Vaynette McClendon, and Richard Reynolds; grandson that he raised, Ricky A. McClendon, all of Columbus, Oh.; special friends, Howard (Cynthia) Johnson, Mel (Cathi) Wermter and family, and Carolyn Chandler and family; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends. The family will honor James's request and not have a public service. RODMAN FUNERAL SERVICE.

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Published by The Columbus Dispatch on Mar. 25, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for James Smith

6 Entries

James Smith Jr aka Jimi Jam

March 19, 2022

I Love And Miss You Dad!

pamela white

April 6, 2009

i will always love and remember my uncle. when i was a little girl all the time he would spend with our family. good times that can never be forgotten and never be replaced by anyone. i remember the times he would take us kids to the drive in, the time he taught me how to drive, the time he took us to buckey lake, and the many summer nights he would bring linda and jimmy over and we would be out in the yard playing, he would be sitting on the porch drinking lemonade,or a glass of wine. those were some of the best memories. the holiday and birthday parties, picnics, and cookouts with my parents .he will always be a part of my life.he was very patient and had a loving and giving heart.i will love and miss him dearly. Uncle james was like a father to me someone to look up to and respect.
so many memories so little time to spend with our loved ones.
I love you uncle james

March 30, 2009

Everyone who knew James is missing him now… missing his smile, his hearty laugh, his wit and his passion for life (and sports!). Folks always knew where they stood with James… he’d tell you plain and simple. He was devoted to and loved Martha, his kids, grandkids and all his extended family. He loved all of his friends and was generous with his time.

Mel and I will especially miss the enthusiastic discussions we had with James over all sorts of things and the times when we all just chilled out on the porch and didn’t talk about much of anything…. the times when James would break into song… the times when he longed to be out on the driveway, playing with the kids...and the times when he reminisced and regaled us with all sorts of tales of days gone by. James was a sharp dresser and a great cook. We will never forget all the parties and get-togethers he and Martha hosted and how James was always ready for some good company and good jazz.

James worked for years, was never afraid of hard work and was very appreciative of the hard work of others… but never wanted to ask anyone to help him if he could do it himself. I could go on and on…

Knowing James was a once in a lifetime kind of experience and we are so proud to have been his friends. For all of us who loved him, James will live in our hearts forever.

Martha, please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.

Mel and Cathi Wermter

Tanya Chandler-Sims

March 25, 2009

Aunite, I send my Love and Condolences during your time of sorrow. Uncle James was and will always be one the greatest men I will ever know in my lifetime. He never bit his tongue about anything and he always kept it real... Thanksgiving will never be the same without my uncle James. Him and steve and all the other guys down in the basement talking mess about the players, who was the best and who needed benched. As Uncle James would say if the player was sorry stick a fork in him he is done. Uncle James you are a classic. Truly irreplaceable- You will be deeply missed (Big Guy) Love your Niece Tanya and Your Nephews Steve and Tylan. May God Bless Keep the Smith Family.

March 25, 2009

Mr. Smith was a good friend of my mother's(Betty Gooch), they played cards together for years. I am sorry for your lost.

Vickie Coates
Columbus OH

Denise Valentine

March 25, 2009

I will keep you and your family in my thoughts & prayers.

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