James F. Smith, 80, passed away on Friday, November 12, 2021 at home surrounded by his loved ones.
On June 23, 1941 he was born in Grapevine, Kentucky to Charlie Smith and Alevena (Durall) Dillender.
Through a best friend of James, he met this wonderful woman named Chyral Mathews. After 4 years of dating, they were married on June 30, 1988 in Lake County, IN.
James started driving a coal truck at the age of 12 driving and fell in love with driving. He worked for Morrison Construction as a truck driver for 27 years until his retirement in 2002. Although driving was a passion of his, he was a man of many talents. James was skilled in drywall, masonry, roofing and overall construction. He built the first home that the married couple would live in on Cedar Lake.
He was known as soft spoken, but was a man of his word, always committing and never going back on his word. He taught you about life and did his best to teach you about life once we get to Heaven. He never let you down even in his final days he loved and was loved.
He is survived by his wife Chyral Smith of Plymouth; sons: Alvin “Frankie” Smith of Highland, IN; Gerald Smith of Grapevine, KY; James Smith of Washington, D.C.; David Potts of Chesterton; daughters: Betty Moore of Portage, IN; Tracey McNorton of Lowell, IN; Brandy Potts of Plymouth; brothers: Roy Smith of Grapevine, KY; Billi Smith of Grapevine, KY; sister Margaret Smith of Grapevine, KY; grandsons: Christopher Banks of Plymouth; Logan Banks of Plymouth; as well as many other grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
James is preceded in death by his parents, children Gayla and William Smith, and his brother Larry.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 21, 2021 from 11-1 pm at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth. Funeral services will immediately follow with Pastor Timothy Burdashaw officiating.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023 Merrifield, VA 22116-7023 or to the choice of the donor.
Amy and Ella Adams says
We are so sorry to hear of this and are praying for you, Chris, as well your wonderful Nana and your brother and your entire family.
He must have been a wonderful man. We are so deeply sorry for your loss.
Leora Lockett says
am sorry to hear the new about this wonderful man, James was a men that love life and his family and he respect his friend, he was kind and compassion to others, This world will be empty without him, Family you know you had the best and he gave you the best of him because he loved you. be comfort in know that he is all well in Jesus Christ. Peace and Love
Wilma, love you-all