On November 12, 2022, God paid a visit to His servant who had finished his labor in this earthly vineyard. Death unexpectedly took James Smith, affectionately known as Joe, from his family, but Jesus took the beloved father, grandfather, brother, and uncle from death.  He said, "Come on home, my good and faithful servant." His eyes are closed; his heart is no longer beating; his sweet voice is stilled, and his warm arms can no longer embrace us, but we will forever have a love that is as eternal as his rest.

Joe was born on September 29, 1942, in Sylvester, Georgia, to the late Jim and Fannie Smith. He began his formal education in the Worth County Public School System but left school before graduating to help his father farm. Joe was drafted into the U.S. Army and served honorably for 26 years. While in the Army, he married his hometown sweetheart, Nervine Smith. They traveled the world together while raising their family. Joe went on to receive his High School diploma from Stuttgart High School in Stuttgart, Germany, and a bachelor's degree from the University of Tampa. Upon retiring from the Army, Joe moved his family to Albany, Georgia, to be close to friends and family. Back home, he soon gained employment at the Marine Corps Logistic Base where he worked for 14 years. Joe loved Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, watching the Atlanta Falcons, music, fishing, maintaining his yard, and above all else, spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Living a blessed life, Joe's career made it possible for him to see parts of the world that he would never have seen. These places included traveling to Korea and Germany. He was married for 51 years to his cherished wife, Nervine, who preceded him to immortality. He was also blessed with three beloved children. Not taking his blessings lightly, Joe Smith made sure his children were trained-up to love God and family. Therefore, he instilled Christian values and the importance of remaining rooted in faith throughout all seasons.

Born into a large loving family, Joe would be preceded in death by Jim Smith (Father), Fannie Richardson-Smith (Mother), four brothers: Alfred Smith, Charlie Smith, George Smith, and Hodge Smith; seven sisters: Daisy Stephens, Arnelia Tift, Rosa Lavant, Callie Mae Fowler, Annie Mae Ford, Fannie Powell, and Lessie Mathis, and always dear to his heart, his loving wife, Nervine Smith. Whatever trials confronted him, Joe rejoiced in God's spirit of love, power, grace, and mercy. Therefore, his house was always a place of welcome, warmth, and comfort. To his children he was a provider, a protector, and a tower of strength.

Known for his kind and loving spirit, Joe took pride in helping his family and friends. He was able to fix anything and enjoyed being the "go-to" person in the family. He was generous and found joy in sharing with others. Foremost in his daily living was serving the Lord, and at a young age he dedicated himself to Christ and joined the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Oakfield, Georgia.

Joe leaves to celebrate his life three children: Erical Hall, Leesburg, GA; James Timothy, Leesburg, GA; and Janice (Andrew) Garnto, Thomaston, GA.; three brothers: Willie Frank Smith (Yong) of Columbia, South Carolina, Johnnie Smith (Rose) and Jimmy Smith both of Albany, Georgia; three sisters: Reather Smith of New Jersey, Gwendolyn Beach and Luella Street both of Albany, Georgia; one sister-in-law, Angie Kate Atkins of Leesburg, Georgia; one Aunt, Mrs. Willie Pearl Harris of Putney, Georgia; grandchildren: Erynn Hall, Emory James, and Ethan Andrew Garnto; god-children: Adrianne Weltner, Quamea Daniels, Tedra and Dominique Anderson, and Keandre Wilson. Also celebrating his immortality is a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

If Joe could speak, he would say, "You will be okay. Today is only a temporary pain. Death left the most important part of me for you, which is my love. He didn't know the power of such a priceless and eternal treasure."