James Smith, Jr.

Life ReflectionsOf The Late Mr. James Smith, Jr. Mr. James Smith, Jr. was born on October 8, 1943 in Columbus, MS. rle was the fourth of nine children and the eldest son between the union of Julia Mary McGee and James Smith. rlls mother Julia, father James, sisters Betty Saunders, Carrie Smith, and Doris Smith, two nephews Donald Wayne Smith and Lee Weber Lawrence all preceded him in death. JamesJr.moved to St.Louis,MO with his family as a young boy he was baptized at an early age while attending the First Baptist Church of Meacham Park in Kirkwood, MO under the leadership of the late Reverend George E. Sebree, Sr. James Jr. attended the Kirkwood and Webster Groves School Districts through elementary and high school. rle was employed at Korvette which was located in Sunset rlills. MO and worked in the tire center for several years. After the company moved, he later found employment at Standard Machine and Mfg. Co. in st. Louis, MO as a machinist. rle had been employed with them for 30+ years until his death. "June", as he was sometimes affectionately called, was a huge sports fanatic. Itis love for sports especially football. basketball and baseball always allowed him to showcase his talents at being an amazing coach. Whatever sport Cory or Kris were involved in or any other young athlete he came in contact with, he made it a point to help them bring out their best abilities. "Mr. 6th Temptation" loved life, loved to laugh and loved to dance among other things. rle had a lot of hobbies from fishing, putting model cars together with his kids, puzzles, poker games, spending time with his family and close friends, and of course watching sports on TV especially with his youngest sister, Debra. On November 21, 1970, he was joined in Holy Matrimony to Mary J.Nelson.God blessed this union for 43 years. He departed this life at home after a lengthy illness in the loving presence of his family on January 15, 2014. He leaves to mourn his passing and cherish his memories: a devoted wife, Mary; one step-daughter, Felicia Nelson; one son, Cory Smith; one grandson, Kristopher Nelson all of Kirkwood, MO; three sisters, Ann Doss and Debra Smith of Kirkwood, MO, Mrs. Johnnie Scales (Robert) of Chicago, IL; two brothers, Donald Smith (Beatrice) of Black Jack, MO, and Robert Smith (Patty) of Winchester, TN; a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and co-workers will truly miss him. Interment:Forever Oak Hill CemeterySt. Louis, MO 63122 .