James Edward Smith was born on November 21, 1940 in Statesboro, Georgia and left this earthly world on March 5, 2024.
Jim was a resident of Lebanon Tennessee.
Preceded in death by his parents, James Rawdin Smith and Ruby Lee Brown, also-stepmother, Eunice Black Cassidy Smith. Also, stepping into Heaven before him, brother Willie Caulber Smith, known as Sammy, sister, Joyce Nedra Gabrysiak, paternal and maternal grandparents, many aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was the second of four children and his hardworking, stubborn, yet kind hearted middle child tendencies made him a powerhouse throughout his 84 years.
Jim was raised on a dairy farm in Bullock County Georgia. After a tour serving our country in the US Navy, Jim Smith resided in Philadelphia where he worked for General Electric Co. He completed his corporate career in Anaheim California in the Aerospace industry as a machinist and foreman. Jim’s last residence on the west coast was Corona California. While living in California he attended Fullerton College, completing an associate’s degree in business.
After marrying Susan and becoming a father to three little girls-the family then moved to Lebanon Tennessee where he started his mobile mechanic business, Lube America, later renamed Jasun Fleet Service. After 20 years, he hung his wrench up and enjoyed retirement by tending to his garden, keeping his lawn pristine and enjoying his three grandchildren, of whom he was so proud-Za and Zion Person and baby Olive Stephens.
James, known as Jim to those closest to him, and Edward/Smitty/Buddy to those who reared him was a businessman, gardener, avid news follower, husband and father- the latter by both blood and choice.
Destined to be surrounded by beautiful, fierce women, precious sons-in-law and all mentioned-Jim is survived by his eldest daughter, Donna Lynn Hernandez-grandchildren Stephen Smith, granddaughter Shyanne Hernandez, three ‘bonus’ daughters-Sherri Hill, (Chris), Scarlett Houser, (Sam), Britta Stephens,(Patrick), sister Lorita Jackson,(Jim), nephew, Kevin Jackson, great nephew, Brandon Jackson. Our most special Family friend, surrogate sister, daughter-Carol Worthington, her man and ours-Karl, also, the matriarch for whom his heart beat, the love of his life, his wife of 33 years, Susan Smith.
A creature of routine and a lover of animals, there was no one more in tune with or a part of Mother Nature and God’s green Earth. He was loved beyond measure and was called home by his heavenly Father with a warm welcome from his loving parents, baby brother Sammy, sister Nedra and all those who preceded him.
A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at Hunter Funeral Home with Bro. Benji Thomas officiating. Military honors provided by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard. Visitation 1:30 p.m. till service time on Sunday. https://www.hunterfuneral.com
For more obituaries visit https://wilsoncountysource.com/obituaries/
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