James A. Smith, 72, was born on June 19, 1948, to the late Frank P. Smith and Precious Elizabeth Cox in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He entered eternal rest on April 7, 2021.

James was a graduate of Riverside High School, a Marine Corps veteran, and a 20-year employee of the United States Postal Service. He eventually retired from TDOT after 16 years of dedicated service. He received many awards throughout his professional life. He was the president of Tennessee State Employees Association (TSEA).

He attended Covington Theological Seminary and received a bachelor's of ministry degree.

James was a faithful member of New United Baptist Church. He loved his church family dearly. He had a passion for teaching the word of God and saving souls for Christ. He made it his business to always put God first!

He loved his family and friends. He was a great chess player and played the guitar in his spare time.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Antonaus Smith and Sergio Smith; siblings, Frankie Dickerson, Larry Smith, and Lenard Smith; nephew, Kaiser Taylor.

James leaves memories with his children, Jacqueline (Rodney) Bruell, Jameko Smith, Janesha Smith, Joseph Smith; grandchildren, Tyler Forte’, Mark Johnson, Lychyna Williams, Montana Williams, Ka’nesha Jones; other family members, Michael Smith, Cedric (Chandra) Means, Missy Dickerson, Teresa Smith, Darwin Smith, Terrance Smith, Chappel Taylor, Diamond Stinson; four great-grandchildren; special family and friends, Cheryl Lee, Erica (Brian) Sledge, Elbert Robinson and Melvin Goree; a host of family and friends.

 

Public viewing will be held from 2-6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 14, at the funeral home. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 15, at New United Baptist Church with Dr. Jeffery Wilson as the officiant. Interment will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery.

 

Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 423 622-9995.