James David Smith

James David Smith went home to be with Jesus on Saturday, January 10th 2026 in Sulphur, Oklahoma at the age of 74. He was born on Tuesday, July 17th, 1951 in Durant, Oklahoma. His passing has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who loved him.
His is proceeded in death by his parents Floyd "Blue" Smyth and Hazel Cooper-Smyth.
Loved ones left behind to cherish his memories are his children daughter Lacey Garcia of Durant, OK; son Jeremy Smith of Durant, OK; daughter Stormie Smith of Durant, OK; son Kyle Smith of Durant, OK; grandchildren Luis Garcia, Liliana Garcia, Christian Garcia, Trey Smith; son-in-law Philip Spicer of Durant, OK; daughter-in-law Elora Mack of Durant, OK; brother Bill (William) Floyd Smith of Mill Creek, OK; sister Lois Weemes of Durant, OK and numerous nieces and nephews and many family and friends.
Growing up in Oklahoma James loved fishing out at platter flats. He enjoyed life with his children and his parents Floyd (Blue) Smyth and Hazel Cooper-Smyth. Growing up, James was very close to his daddy and mama. He loved listening to his scanner, radio, and watching T.V. James was a joy to everyone he knew. He loved life and people. He never met a stranger and was quick to light up any room with smiles and fill it with laughter. He always had a joke to tell and once told, be ready to hear it a few more times.
He held many jobs working as a Custodian at Calera High School and at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, to Custodian work in the Surgical department at Texoma Medical Center, to working the night shift loading trucks at Indian Nation Wholesale. He was true to the phrase "jack of all trades" and had a great love for the outdoors. To anyone that didn't know about him, he helped build half the Paul Laird Field at Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, OK. His life was so full that it is impossible to list everything, and this is not even the tip of the iceberg.
James was a simple man. He loved his Folgers black coffee with two sugars and creamer, and he loved his fried potatoes with onions -- he couldn't get enough.
He loved his children Lacey Garcia, Jeremy Smith, Stormie Smith, and Kyle Smith; grandchildren Luis, Liliana, Christian Garcia and Trey Smith; son-in-law Philip Spicer and daughter-in-law Elora Mack. James was an amazing person that loved his family and friends. Though his time with us was far too short, he will be deeply missed and always remembered. We are saddened by his passing and will forever miss his sweet smile, but we are grateful for the time we had with him and take comfort in knowing that he is rejoicing in Heaven with his daddy and mama and numerous family and friends.
Family visitation will be held at 6-8 pm on Tuesday, January 20th, 2026 at the Gordon Center, 305 N 2nd Durant, Oklahoma.
The funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, January 21st, 2006 at Gordon Center 305 N 2nd Durant, Oklahoma. James will be laid to rest at Old Church Cemetery, 112 Old Church Rd. Bennington, Oklahoma. Jeremy Smith, Kyle Smith, Philip Spicer, Luis Garcia, Christian Garcia, Trey Smith, will serve as pallbearers.
The family ask that flowers be sent at Gordon Center.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Gordon Funeral Home, 221 N. 3rd, Durant, 580-916-9090