James Oliver Smith, a man whose life was defined by dedication, love for family, and a tireless spirit of labor, passed away peacefully at home on March 16, 2026. Born on October 16, 1945, in Rome and raised in Cedartown, Georgia, James was a figure whose journey epitomized the values of hard work and devotion to those dearest to him.

From his early days on the farm, young James learned the virtues of diligence and perseverance. He carried these traits through various roles--framing houses, selling watermelons, and delivering produce for Dixon Tom-A-Toe a histirical produce compnay in Atlanta his Uncle Red owned. Ultimately forging his path as a contractor and becoming the proud owner of James Smith Construction Company, he left an indelible mark on his community not only through his craftsmanship but also through a steadfast work ethic that earned him respect and admiration.

James found pure joy in the simple pleasures of life: the perfect golf swing, the satisfaction of cutting grass on a sunny afternoon, and the fulfillment derived from working with his hands amidst the outdoors. Yet above all, it was the company of his beloved family that illuminated his days. Those who knew James remember a man who loved without reservation, a hard-working soul whose heart beat strongest for his wife, Rosa “Dolly” Smith, his children April Tucker (James) and Jason Smith (Tara), and his cherished grandchildren Andrew Obermeyer (Tabitha), Luke Obermyer, Ian Smith, Lilly Smith, Ivy Tucker, Willow Tucker (Dustin), Drake Tucker, as well as four great-grandchildren: Juniper, Harper, Emery, and Josie. 

The tapestry of James’s life was thoughtfully woven with the memories of those who preceded him, including his beloved mother Mary Magnolia Smith, father Walter Smith, mother-in-law Nora Bell Turner, father-in-law James Andrew Turner, brothers Lawrence Smith and Seals Smith, sisters Shirley Smith and Maggie Farmer, sister-in-laws Mary Ann Hucks and Gail Turner, brother-in-law James Turner, nephews Mark, Michael, David and Richard and niece Veronica.

A celebration of James’s life will be held at a later date, allowing family and friends to come together in honor of a man who touched so many lives with kindness, integrity, and unwavering love. As we remember James Oliver Smith, we carry forward the legacy of a truly remarkable individual—a man who worked diligently, loved deeply, and whose memory will remain eternally etched in the hearts of all who were privileged to know him.

In Lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to curealz.org  Cure Alzheimer's Fund is an organization that is deicated to funding research with the highest probability of preventing, slowing or reversing Alzheimer's disease.

Care of The Smith Family has been entrusted to In Their Honor Funeral and Cremation Providers.