James Alfred Smith, age 83, of Jasper, FL. passed away on January 16, 2022 at Shands UF in Gainesville, FL.

James was born and raised just up the road from Jasper in Statenville, GA on July 14, 1938 to the late Leon and Annabel Green Smith. He served his country in the United States Navy for 17 years and then worked as a merchant marine following his discharge from the Navy. James had quite a personality with a sense of humor that could keep you in stitches. He was the kind of man that loved his children but he was THAT man that LOVED-LOVED-LOVED his grandchildren and great grandchildren if you can distinguish the differences. James was preceded in death by his parents and his step daughter, Edna Bell.

Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Linda Knapp Smith; his three sons, James Smith, Jr., Leon Smith and Lance Smith; his three daughters, Donna Tandrum (Michael), Maura Shufeldt (Brian) and Kathleen Conners (Michael); he is also survived by four step children, Sonny Russelburg, Darlene Russelburg Stein, Hazel Mercer and Billie Lynn Martin; several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Graveside committal services were held on Friday, January 28, 2022 at Evergreen Cemetery in Jasper, FL.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society
P.O. Box 22478 Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or by calling 1-800-227-2345.