James E. Smith, Sr.

James E. Smith, Sr., passed away on June 3, 2016, at home surrounded by his family, following an extended illness. He was born in Birmingham, AL on November 25, 1949 to the late James and Cornelia Smith. James was a graduate of Washington High School and played football. He retired from Garn trucking. A dedicated family man, James enjoyed his children and grandchildren. A lover of music, he loved to play guitar, dance and sing. He also loved to go fishing. He is survived by his wife, Denna (Thompson) Smith; children, Beverly Danzy of Massillon, Tonya Smith of Wooster, Tanisha Thompson of Massillon, Cornelia (Terry) Smith- Floyd, James E.( Carrie) Smith, Jr. of Canton and Marla Smith of Massillon; nineteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; three brothers, Reginald Dawson, Harold Dorsey and Carl Dorsey; brother-in-law Sherman Smith; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins; and good friends, Mark and Eric McDew. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Rejonia Smith and a granddaughter, Tia Floyd. Friends may call at the St. James AME Zion Church on Monday, June 13, 2016 from 10:00am-11:30am with a Going Home Celebration at 11:30am, Rev. Rosalyne Mitchell- Martin, officiating, burial will follow at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Rittman. Paquelet Funeral Home 330-833-3222