James Junior Smith, early morning fisherman, avid sports fan, jack of all trades, and master junker, passed away Monday, November 29, 2021, at Corn Heritage Village of Weatherford, at the age of 87 years, 4 months and 8 days.

James was born on July 21, 1934, in Weatherford to Alvin James and Violet Gladys (Campbell) Smith.  He was raised in Weatherford, where he attended school and played right tackle for Weatherford High School.  He proudly graduated with the Class of 1953.

James started his love of fishing at an early age, cat fishing on Deer Creek.  He continued fishing until the ugly Alzheimer's reared its head about ten years ago.  His best catch came on August 3, 1957, when he married the love of his life, Judy Frances Powers, in Weatherford.  They made their home in a family-owned little rock house where their son, Terry Smith, was born.  Nineteen months later, their daughter, Jamie Smith Sutton was born.  James proudly built their forever home, eight years later, where Judy still resides.

The grandsons' love of fishing came from Grandpa James, as he took each and every one of them out on many fishing adventures! Early mornings were always dedicated to his love of fishing, with bologna and cheese sandwiches as the staple for lunch. The boys still boast about Grandpa James's ability to locate the fish without a fish finder! Judy learned quickly not to catch a bigger fish than him though!

James loved all the Weatherford High School sporting events. He proudly followed Terry and Jamie's games through high school and college, never missing a game. He continued that tradition when his four grandsons started their sporting careers. Everyone always remembers his presence at every game, cheering on his hometown Eagles.

James worked as a TV repairman, a mechanic, and later as a maintenance supervisor at Owl Photo where he retired after 30 years. He quickly became known as the "jack of all trades", being able to fix almost anything. He began to tinker in "junk" after retirement, bringing life to many things. People from all over would bring him projects to work on.

James started attending First Baptist Church later in life, and was Baptized when he was 70.  What a blessing that was to the family!

Although Alzheimer's robbed him of ten years of his life, and took away so many precious things, he has always been a blessing to the family. Memorials may be made to Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation – Alzheimer's Research.

James is survived by his wife of 64 years, Judy Smith of their home in Weatherford; his daughter, Jamie Sutton; his son, Terry Smith and wife, Patsy; his two brothers, Dewayne Smith and wife, Dona and Gary Smith and wife, Linda all of Weatherford; four grandchildren; Randon Smith and wife Candy, Heath Smith and wife Monica, Kyle Sutton and wife Gena, Koby Sutton and wife Emma; and five great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Juanita Randolph and Dorothy Weast; and son-in-law, Todd Sutton.