James Michael Smith

James Michael Smith, 55, passed away on April 11, 2022 at Singing River Hospital Gulfport in Gulfport, MS. He was born on December 15, 1966 in Gulfport, MS, the seventh of nine children to Willie Earl and Edith Parker Smith, Jr.. James grew up in Saucier for the most part, and was an adventurous young man that enjoyed going fast. Racing rapidly became his pastime, starting with go carts and making his way up to a 360 series sprint car over the years. He's even raced lawn mowers along the way, and enjoyed every moment of it. James attended Stone county schools and went to work in the construction world as a carpenter. He called Saucier home most of his life, but the racetracks across South Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and beyond, were his home away from home. He is remembered as a shy and reserved guy, until he got to know you. Once he did, "it was on" as they say. His sense of humor was vivid and James loved to laugh and carry on. He loved country and classic rock music and always had some on. An awesome father and grandfather, James was always doing things with his kids and grandchildren. He was always taking them out to eat, to the aquarium or some other attraction, because he loved to have his family around him. Aside from that, James was either working on his race cars, or taking them to the track. From mechanicing to painting, there wasn't much he couldn't do. James lived life to the fullest, and wanted his family to as well. He will definitely be loved and missed by all whose life he touched. He was preceded by his parents, Willie E. "Buddy" and Edith Smith, Jr., and his brothers Barry and Willie Smith, III. Left to cherish his memories are: his daughters Britany Smith of Biloxi, Ashley Smith of Saucier, with sons James Smith of Boise, ID and Cole Smith, also of Saucier; his siblings: brothers Tim (Tammy) Smith of Saucier, Gary (Gena) Smith of Statesville, NC, and his sisters Ann (Ron) Jones of Kiln, Debbie Sluder of Sanford, NC, Kathy Hager of Trautman, NC, and Emma (Josh) Blaylock of McComb. He leaves a legacy of three grandchildren: Alana and Zane Simmons of Biloxi, and Avery Smith of WA, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. James was one to help anyone, and his legacy will live on through organ and tissue donation. His final wishes were to be cremated, which his family is honoring. A memorial service will be set at a later date. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Smith family during this difficult time and asks that you remember them in your prayers over the coming days.

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