James was born on January 30, 1942 in Hillsboro, Texas to parents Bill Smith and Marie Moore.
As a teenager he moved to California and graduated from Bell Gardens High School and then
served in the air force from 1960-1964. He married Patricia Hulsey and they had two children,
Christina Carol who was born in 1979 and Jennifer Marie born in 1984.
James enjoyed cold beer, classic country music, watching the Dallas Cowboys and spending time with his family.
James is proceeded in death by his mother, Marie Chapman, father Bill Smith, sister Doris Heard and his wife Patricia Smith.
James was survived by his children Christina Smith, Jennifer Pickens, grandchildren, Natalie Abbott, Lily Pickens, Alyssa
Abbott, Sydney Abbott and Jameson Pickens, brother Jerry Chapman, sisters Paula Ray and Kay Rhodes.
James will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife Patricia Smith at Whitney Memorial Park Cemetery.
Visitation is on Tuesday 29, 2023 at Bellmead Funeral Home Chapel from 6-8:00 pm.
Interment is at Whitney Memorial Park cemetery at 10:00 am Wednesday August 30, 2023