James Smith

James “Jim” Kenneth Smith, a resident of Baton Rouge, LA, and native of Hattiesburg, MS, passed away on April 9, 2020, at the age of 86.

James is survived by his four children, Amy Elisabeth Sigler, Robert Kenneth Smith, Fred William Smith, and Angela Gaye Hoshman; his twelve grandchildren, Dustin, Cameron, Courtney, Dalton, Joyce, Taylor, Delaney, Matthew, Payten, Dillon, Brenon, and Mary; his two great-grandchildren, Ethan and Willow; and his brother, Fred Jewel “Fred J” Smith.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Ruby Smith; his wife of 64 years, Dorothy “Dot” Rose Smith; and his sisters, Elizabeth Smith Williams and Doris Smith Breckenridge.

As a Baptist deacon, husband, dad and grandad, LSU fan, basketball coach, and choir member, he leaves a legacy of a life for Christ, family, sports and music. Educationally and professionally, he was a leader in his field, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi, and LSU in mathematics and applied chemistry, and was the recognized inventor for several patents. He proudly served his country through the United States Air Force.

In response to the novel COVID-19 public health crisis, a private ceremony was held Friday, April 17th at 1:00 pm.  A Memorial service open to others will take place at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy. on Friday, July 3, 2020. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am with the service starting at 11:00 am.

Donations may be made in James's name to the Louisiana Baptist Children's Home https://www.lbch.org or to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank https://brfoodbank.org .

Family and friends may leave a personal note to the family online at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com (Resthaven Funeral Home - Baton Rouge, LA).