James Odell Smith, 71 of Stringer, MS went to be with the lord Wednesday, June 11, 2025. James was born November 6, 1953, in El Paso, Texas and was the only son of Odell and Viola Smith.

He was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, and brother.

Proceeding him in death was his father Odell Smith of Sharon, MS.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Liberty Baptist Church in Stringer, MS. A Celebration of his life at 11:00AM at Liberty Baptist Church in Stringer, MS. with burial to follow in Liberty Cemetery. Bro. Stanley Doggett will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. 601-649-3342.

He was preceded in death by his father, Odell Smith. His grandparents L.J and Ruthie Smith and Jack and Flora Campbell.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Judy Stringer Smith; His momma, Viola Campbell Smith; His sisters, Flora Sims (Phil), Linda Hill (Bill), Betty Gray (Billy) and Susie Blakeney (Mike). 3- daughters, Jennifer Gable (Bruce), Jacky Spradley (Tuddy) and Julie Smith (Shea). And a very special nephew, Cody Grice (Doreen); grandchildren, Josh Gable, Emily Dean, Walker Gable (Callie), Izzy Spradley, Eva Jewell Harris, Tristan Harris, Will Grice, Carson Smith, and Conner Smith, great- grandchild, Kyson, Krew and Kipp Gable.

James was a member of Liberty Church of Stringer, where he served as a Deacon until his health no longer allowed him to physically attend. First and foremost, James was a man of God.

He poured his love for God into the Mission field. Doing local jail ministry, nursing home ministry, and filling I as interim pastor at several churches. He took his mission work away from home on his trips to Alaska. Where he helped build new churches with his construction knowledge. He was also a founding member of the church in Tyonek, Alaska where he spent as much of his spare time as possible. He built churches all over the US in his attempt to share Jesus with as many people as possible.

James was a contractor by trade, owning and operating James O. Smith Construction. He was known for his custom-built homes and attention to detail in every home he built. He would use that same attention to detail in his later years when he designed and made custom knives and sheaths.

He loved farming, raising cattle, traveling, and fishing with his grandkids. James was a family man. He shared his love for God, construction, and hard work with everyone he met.

Pallbearers will be Bruce Gable, Tuddy Spradley, Cody Grice, Brannon Harris, Walker Gable, Will Grice, Jimmy Stringer, and Josh Gable.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Jim Conn, Brayden Gunter, and Tristan Harris.

The family would like to thank his caregivers Marsha McCullum and Shannon Terrell for their excellent care; and a special thank you to a very special ICU nurse Karla Clark. The family of James Odell Smith wishes to thank each and every one for your calls, prayers, and concerns.  Please continue to keep us in your prayers.