James L. Smith

On Sunday November 17, 2019, James L. Smith, a loving husband and father of six children, passed away at the age of 78 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

James was born on August 15, 1941 in Deventer, Missouri to Thatus and Bedella Smith. 42 years ago, he found his love his wife Sharon Smith. James gave his life to Christ on November 17, 1991 at Second Baptist Church of Carlyle, under the Pastor Jerome Chambers. He worked at Rail Bearing in Carlyle for many years. James wore many hats, a BOSS, a mechanic a manager of a band. He was the man that knew everything. He enjoyed playing the guitar, shooting pool, playing cards and dancing, and love for music (Blues). James was a jokester of his family very fun loving and kind man would do anything for anybody if he could.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Sharon Smith, five children: Julia Willis (Keith), John Willis (Jerriann), Alice Willis (Mike), Charlie Anderson and Kathy Washington.  He had seven grandkids, and 21 great grandkids; his goddaughter: Betty Ann Fisher of Charleston, MO; and a special sister-law: Sharon Stalling of St. Louis, MO; and a stepsister: Larice Stalls of Centralia. He also leaves twelve brothers and sisters: Luther (Melberta) Smith of East St.Louis, Stella Smith and Thelma Smith of Carlyle, Carliss (Henry)Sager of Charleston, MO, Shirley( Nathaniel)  Burke of Aurora,  Illinois, Thatus Jr.( Maxine) Smith of Omaha, Nebraska; Linda (Milen) Suggs of Centralia, Irene Acoff of St. Louis, Jewel Smith of Charleston, Larry Smith and Fannie Smith of Wyatt, MO, Gary Smith of Pickneyville and a host of nieces and nephews and other relatives.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, November 23, 2019, at Zieren Funeral Home, with Revs. Theodore Macon Jr. & Sr., officiating.  Interment will follow at Carlyle Township Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. on Saturday morning prior to the service. Repast we be at the Mariner’s Village at Carlyle Lake. FOOD DONATION WILL BE WELCOME. You may send cards and flowers in care of James Smith, Wife Sharon Smith to Zieren Funeral Home, PO Box 276, Carlyle, IL 62231.

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