James was preceded in death by his father, Donald Smith; brother, Jerry Smith; sister-in-law, Janet Giesenhagen; and brother-in-law, James Giesenhagen.
He is survived by his mother, Lila (Breneman) Smith; wife of 32 years, Karen; son, Ryan (Lisa) German; daughter, Kelly Collins; birth daughter, Staci (Robert) Alvarez; brother, Don (Rosie) Smith; sister, Carol Lewis; grandchildren, Jaecob Mumford, Anthoney Collins, Landon German, Ellie German, Aria German, Jacob Alvarez, Dominic Alvarez, Luke Alvarez, and Ezekiel Alvarez; great-grandchildren, Kaizer Williams and Akylah Collins; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral service for James will be held 10:00 AM, Saturday, November 27, 2021, at Countryside Christian Church, 1919 S. Rock Road, Wichita, Kansas 67207, with visitation 1 hour prior from. Burial will follow the service, at Resthaven's Cemetery in the Garden of Christus, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, Kansas 67209.
Memorial contributions in James' memory can be made to Good Shepherd Hospice, 7829 E. Rockhill Street #403, Wichita, Kansas 67206 and/or Countryside Christian Church, 1919 S. Rock Road, Wichita, Kansas 67207.