James Don Smith
James Don Smith, 77, of Dalton, Georgia, departed this life on Tuesday evening, February 13, 2018 at the Regency Park Health and Rehabilitation Facility.
He was known to his family and friends as, Jimmy, Jim or J.D. He was born August 13, 1940 in Calhoun, Ga., a son of the late Troy A. and Ethel A. Jackson Smith. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Fuller Smith; his girl-friend at Regency Park, Geneva Stone; his brothers, Charles Fred Smith and Danny Franklin Smith; and a brother-in-law, Johnny Duncan.
Jimmy was a 1961 graduate of Valley Point High School and was retired from Foam Products of Calhoun. James loved to work on old classic cars, and had owned many in his lifetime. To honor his wishes he will be transported to the cemetery in Ponders Funeral Home’s 1940 LaSalle Classic Hearse.
He is survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Larry Neil and Lacresia Smith of Resaca, Ga., Steve and Pamela Jean Smith of Calhoun, Ga.; sisters and brothers-in-law, Glenda Faye and Larry Fowler of Adairsville, Ga,, Connie Ann Duncan of Stephenville, Tx.; special friend, Hugh Massingall of Resaca, Ga,; and several nieces and nephews.
Services to celebrate the life of James Smith will be held on Friday, Feb. 16, at 11 a.m. from the Melrose Chapel of Ponders Funeral Homes with Reverend Johnny Massingill officiating.
James will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife at the Haven of Rest Memorial Park in Calhoun, with Chris Smith, Anthony Smith, Scott Smith, and Stewart Casey honored to serve as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, Feb. 15, from 5-9 p.m. at the Melrose Chapel of Ponders Funeral Homes and Friday, Feb. 16, from 9 a.m. until the service hour.
Arrangements are by locally owned and operated Melrose Chapel of Ponders Funeral Home and Ponders Dalton Crematory, 138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, Georgia. www.pondersfuneralhome.com.