James Alton Smith

James A “Jim” Smith, 85 years old, passed away in his home on March 3, 2024, at 12:55am in Daphne, AL. He was surrounded by his adoring family and friends, including his four daughters, three grandchildren and close friends. He was the son of SH and Minnie Mae Smith and had one brother, Jerry Smith. Jim was born in Crichton, AL. He attended Murphy High School and joined the Military in 1962. He served in the Army and Army National Guard. He was a proud veteran of the Gulf War, where he was called up with the 129th Medical Company, whose headquarters are in West Mobile. He was a machinist by trade and worked for over 40 years in the paper mill industry, which he took great pride in. He retired as a maintenance manager of Delta Natural Kraft in Pine Bluff, AR in 2006. After his retirement, he relocated to the bay area and eventually settled in Daphne. During his life, he was an avid golfer, enjoyed hosting crawfish boils, and later in life enjoyed sitting by the fire outside with his family or on his front porch watching the passerby. He was a lover of sports and he enjoyed talking about tennis, football and baseball with his children and friends. He loved talking about his work, things that he built in the years gone by and told the occasional tall tale. He will be remembered for his quirky collections at home and one-line jokes, and quick wit. Jim was loved by his family, friends and strangers for his eccentric and sharp humor. He was a lover frying turkeys for his family at Thanksgiving, drinking whiskey and having fun. He proudly wore a fedora wherever he went and was a sharp dressed gentleman. Jim is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ellen Kaye Givens Smith, deceased in 1995 and his son, Steven Daniel Smith, deceased in 1982. He then married Joyce Anne Harvey Smith in 1998, who sadly passed away in 2003. He leaves behind his loving daughters who adore him deeply; Kimberly Kaye Seward (Steve Seward) Spanish Fort, AL, Traci Leigh Sanders of Melbourne, FL, Kendra Michelle Kryer of Overland Park, KS and Kelly Denea Smith of London, England. He leaves behind three grandchildren, Ellen Grace Kryer (18), Aiden Grey Seward (16) and Oliva Noel Gutherie (15), who knew him as their Pawpaw. He leaves behind a legacy of service to the military, the papermill and a strong work ethic combined with his love for life and family. He will be terribly missed. Jim will be laid to rest on March 8, 2024, at Serenity Gardens Funeral Home, followed by a service in the Chapel and then a graveside service. Family requests donations should be made to Disabled Veterans of America or Smile Train, both organizations that he was passionate about.

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James Alton Smith

November 24, 1938 - March 3, 2024