James L. Smith, Sr.

James L. Smith, Sr., 83, of Cincinnati, Ohio passed away Tuesday, July 20, 2021.He was born to the late Katie Mae and Wallace E. Smith on December 25, 1937 in Prattville, Alabama. He was the last living child of this union. James was a man with spectacular carpentry skills. He loved fishing and anything else he could build using his hands. His home is just an example of the expertise in craftsmanship he did. He loved playing cards, and was an acclaimed bid-whist tournament champion. He enjoyed having his children around him and spreading the love amongst all of us. He attended school in Cincinnati, Ohio at Central High School. He later went on to obtain his high school diploma while in the US Air Force in 1955. On November 29, 1958, he married Barbara Smith and six children were blessed to this union. Preceding James in death his parents, Katie Mae and Wallace E. Smith; daughter, Katrina L. Smith; grandsons, James L. Smith, III., Donte Clay and Carl Edwards Jr.; sisters, Prince Ella Tye, Mammie Smith-Rushing; brothers, Wallace Jr., William E. Sr., and Reuben Smith. James leaves to cherish his memory beloved wife, Barbara Smith; daughters and sons, James L. Jr., Catherine, Carmella, Yolanda, Jada, Juan, Christopher Smith, Wilbur (Mary) and James L. Clay, Timothy, Joann, James J. Erkins, Jameca (Avery) Smith-Spurling, Sheena Hickson, Darryl, Ray, Brian and James Andre (Joann) Martin. James also leaves to cherish his memory a very special niece/sister, Barbara (George) Laws; a host of Grand, Great, Great-Great Grandchildren and four generations of nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 29, 2021 at House of Hope Fellowship Church, 1829 Elm St, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202. Military Honors to follow by the United States Air Force. Arrangements entrusted to the care of KINLEY Funeral Home.