Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted (Matthew 5:4 KJV)

James Fletcher Smith Jr., a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and a patriarch passed away peacefully receiving his heavenly wings on May 24, 2026 at the tender age of 81.

James was born on October 20, 1944 in Bristol, Tennessee to the (late) James F. Smith Sr. and (late) Dorothy Mae Morris. He moved to Cleveland, Ohio when he was two with his parents and siblings, (late) Eddie W. Smith (2016) and (late) Gloria J. Smith (2011) and finished his early Elementary, Middle, and High School. After completing and graduating from Max S. Hayes High School, James attended Vocational School and received his Associates Degree in Auto Mechanics. From there James made the decision to build upon his career and enlisted in the U.S. Army.

James, a Retired 1 st SGT, a Veteran of the U.S. Army, served his country faithfully for over 25 years serving in: Germany, Vietnam, Korea, Ethiopia, Egypt, Greece, Ireland, and Fort Riley, Kansas. A decorated soldier, James received the Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal (7 th award), Overseas Service Ribbon (3), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Commendation Medal, NCO Professional Development Medal (2), and the Army Achievement Medal with (1) Oak Leaf Cluster.

After retiring from the U.S. Army, James worked for Footlocker, Big Lakes Developmental Center (Disability Services and Support Organization) and Fort Riley Army Control Range for 13 years before finally deciding to retire permanently.

James was a honorable, kind, and loving person. He would give you the shirt off his back, helped anyone in need, and welcomed all into his home and life. He was a man of few words but had a tremendous impact on those who he came in contact with. James was the epitome of showing forgiveness, grace, patience, kindness, faithfulness and self-control.

James favorite past time included; Building models, watching Major League Baseball, Cop Shows, The History Channel and listening to Oldie but Goodie (50s-60s) Old School/R&B Music. He loved a good, home-cooked meal and swinging on his front porch, while sipping on a cold beverage. His famous motto, “Life is sweet, retirement is good”.

James was married to the (late) Diane Chestney 1st wife from 1966-1972 and married his 2nd wife Patricia Ann Venable in 1980 of 46 years.

James is survived by his wife Patricia Ann Smith, his Children; Toya Smith (EJ), Monique Cross (Frank), Shaun Smith (JoAnna), Scott Smith (Sara), Tony McDonald, Lori McDonald,

Grandchildren; (Late) Marcus Smith, Thomas Dodson, Jasmin Dodson, Anthony Smith, Antonio Cross, Angelique Micklewhite, Jordan McDonald (Shay), Brianna McDonald, Dominik McDonald, Alexsis McDonald, Shaun-Issac Smith, Gabriel-Isaiah Smith, Emma-Grace Smith, Emmanuel-Caden Smith, Great-Grandchildren; Mariah Smith, Ja’Zaria Dodson, Angeliyah Micklewhite, Amiyah Micklewhite, Azaniyah Micklewhite, Skylar McDonald, Tobias Axel Oz McDonald, Bridger Cain, his niece Andrea Redding-Craggett along with a host of other family members and friends.

Though we mourn James passing, we do not grieve without hope. We take comfort in knowing that James is now at peace, reunited with loved ones who have gone before him and rejoicing in the presence of his Savior. His faith sustained him in life and it now assures us that we will see him again.

The Smith, Cross, and McDonald family appreciates all the prayers, condolences and expressions of love as we honor his life. In lieu of flowers, the expressions of sympathy, monetary gifts, cards be sent to Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home and/or donations be made to American Stroke Foundation in James memory.

Service arrangements:

Viewing

Thursday June 18, 2026

5:00-7:00pm

Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home

Visitation

Friday June 19, 2026

12:00-1:00pm

Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home

Services

Friday June 19, 2026

1:00pm

Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home

Burial

Following services

Fort Riley Post Cemetery

Fort Riley, KS