James Michael Smith was born  July 11, 1945 in Cincinnati, Ohio to John Morris Smith, Sr. and Marguerite V. Smith. He was the second oldest of 6 children.  He departed this life  peacefully Wednesday, May 12, 2021.

He was proceeded in death by his parents; his siblings,  John Morris Smith, Jr., Charles Headen, Jr., George Headen, Sr., Norma Jean Mackey, Nancy Jackson, Shirley Jean Headen and Patricia Headen as well as his grandson, DeMarco Smith.

James also affectionately known as “Mickey” was raised in Lincoln Heights , Ohio where he attended and graduated from Central High School. He joined the Navy shortly after in July 1962 and separated September 1966 honorably.   After his Navy discharge, he resumed life  in Los Angeles, California working as a draftsman for a crane company.  He also worked for Todd’s Shipyard in San Pedro, California.  After many years, he returned to Cincinnati and pursued a career at Warner Cable as a Technician.  He later left to live in Atlanta, Georgia  and  worked as an employee at Atlanta Hartsfield Airport where he retired and later returned to Cincinnati. 

Today he leaves to love and rejoice in his memory; his children, Lamar (Margaret) and Tonda Smith; brothers, Richard (Arletia) and Ronald Headen and Ronald Amos; grandchildren, Whitney , Tkeyia, Kristin, Carlos, Dejha, Chelsea and Darius; great grandchildren, Demari, Maleiah, JyAir, Makai, Taylor, Kaylee, Kiyan, Eli, Kiyah, London, Kyrie and a host of other relatives.

A dedicated helper and a kind friend to all who had the good fortune to meet  and know him; he never met a stranger.  His humor, kind heart and compassion will be missed by all. We love you. May God bless you in HIS welcoming arms.