James W Smith Jr.

Born on June 28, 1943 in Baltimore, MD to the late James William Smith Sr. and Charlotte Elizabeth (Hunt) Smith.

He is preceded in death by his step-daughter, Gina Schroyer; sister, Jeanette Smith; and his brother Johnny Smith.

Surviving James is his loving wife of 47 years, Helen L. (Hess) Smith; sister Arleepha Reeves; children Richard E. Smith and his wife Rochelle, and Victoria Smith; step-children, Tina L. Hawkins, Patti Schroyer, and Richard T. Schroyer and his wife Denise; grandchildren, Schineice and Shameika Schroyer, Yolanda Johnson, Tawyna “Ty” Evans, Tia Harris, Nyoka Taylor, Rysheda Mitchell and Jarel Rodriquez; along with several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

James was a proud veteran of the United States Navy where he served overseas in Vietnam. When he returned home he worked in shipping and receiving for many years with Letterkenny Army Depot.

He served as a Deacon at both Mr. Mariah Baptist as well as Unity in Christ of Fayetteville, PA. James knew without a doubt that he would be going to Heaven, and had let Helen know that with assurance on the Saturday before he passed. He made a promise to walk the golden streets up in Heaven with his brand new body free of pain or disability and to see Helen again there one day.

James was the best husband, a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather who loved his family very much. One memory shared was that when the children would become old enough to walk and talk on their own he would take them out for their birthday dinner – wherever they would like to go – and spend the day with them. He was a kind, loving and gentle man who will be missed dearly.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 10, 2023 at 3:00 PM at Unity in Christ Church; 4301 Philadelphia Ave, Chambersburg, PA 17202.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association toward the fight against Alzheimer’s or Dementia.