Sherman, Texas -- James Wesley Smith Sr. left this earth on April 23, 2024 to arrive at the feet of Jesus. He called Denison, Texas home and was 86 years of age.

James was born on January 29, 1938, to William Wesley Smith and Faye (Jackson) Smith in Commerce, Texas.  He attended Wylie High School in 1956, and later received his GED. James also took many courses at Grayson County College to learn several trades, including heating and air conditioning, carpentry, and auto-body work. 

James was an avid fisherman. He and his brother, Tommy, took numerous fishing trips together. James even made the catch of a lifetime, by reeling in a blue catfish weighing over 100lbs. When James wasn’t fishing, he enjoyed studying and working on classic cars. His pride and joy is a blue 1962 Chevrolet C10 which he refurbished himself. 

While James loved fishing and classic cars, his true love was always Jesus. He was a long-time member of First Assembly of God in Sherman. His love for the Lord manifested when he was young because he was always immersed in the Word. Eventually, he learned to play guitar and used his talents to lead the congregation in Sunday worship.

James was known for his incredible sense of humor, quick wit, stubbornness, and desire to provide a wonderful life for his family. James was a jack of all trades and, therefore spent his days working hard in many capacities, including maintenance at Midway Mall, construction, carpentry, and auto mechanics at Trophy Nissan and Pilkilton Dodge. James' children always boasted about his strength, even up to his final days. His last days were spent at his youngest daughter’s home surrounded by the love and the laughter of 2 of his grandchildren. James passed peacefully in his sleep at sunrise surrounded by his daughters.

James was preceded in death by his parents Faye and Wesley, brother Tommy, sisters Cindy and Wanda, and son James Wesley Jr.

He is survived by his daughters Debbie Pecina and husband James of Gunter, Darla Trevino of Celina, Jan Pepos and husband Wayne of Tom Bean, Marissa Smith and Jamie of Whitesboro and Bethany Barnes and husband Troy of Denison; son Daniel Smith and wife Amanda of Sherman; grandchildren Jeremy Pecina, Justin Pecina, Sammy Trevino, Eric Smith, Joanie Cardoza, Angela Ervin, Christian and Austin Keizer, Peyton and Kylie Sloan, Lennon and Jude Smith, Ronin Al-Rabbat and Maddie Barnes and 8 great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, April 27 at Waldo Funeral Chapel at 11:00 a.m. with Larry Goodwin officiating. 

Pallbearers are Daniel Smith, Sammy Trevino, Jeremy Pecina, Justin Pecina, Troy Barnes and TJ Knight.

Honorary pallbearers are Eric Smith and Ronin Al-Rabbat. 

Burial will follow at Akers Cemetery in Sherman.