Marlow – James Watson Smith, 89, passed away February 4, 2023 at his residence surrounded by his family.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Smith; daughters, Nora Quill (Paul) and Bridget Smith; grandchildren, Ashley Quill Herrin (Adam) and Brian Quill (Brenda); great-grandchildren, Birdie James Herrin and Joseph Quill; siblings, Esther Malphus, Mary Hendrix, and Gloria Phillips; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Our Daddy answered to many names in his lifetime: J. W., Jakie, Jake, Uncle Jake, Grandpa Jake, Smitty, Pops, and My Baby Boy. But one thing that was consistent was his immense capacity for love. Daddy was gentle, kind, and patient, like his mama, and from an early age did what he could to take care of the people he loved. Growing up during the Depression and war years wasn't easy, but Daddy helped support his family by selling peanuts at the bus station. Oftentimes he would tell Grandma he was going out early to go squirrel hunting and not to worry about making him breakfast, only to find her in the kitchen the next morning, doing just that. When he'd ask her why she was up so early, she'd reply, "Oh, I couldn't sleep".

As a young man Daddy joined the Air Force and it took him far from home. He had many stories about his years in the military and nothing could clear a room out faster than the words, "Back when I was in the service...". The Air Force took Daddy to the coast of California, which he fell in love with, and planned to move back to one day. He even hitchhiked to California and back. God had different plans, though. Instead of moving out west, Daddy moved to Iowa to be close to his brother. There, he met my mama and after asking her to teach him this new dance craze called, "The Twist", he asked Mama out. A year later he asked Mama to marry him.

Mama and Daddy moved back to Georgia and started a family. Then, after several different jobs, including working as a milkman and a barber, Daddy opened a store, Smitty's Grocery. Over the years, Daddy served the community and got to know just about everyone in it. He was known to offer help, if needed, for those who struggled to make ends meet. The little yellow store in Marlow made Daddy a local celebrity, especially when Hollywood came calling to use the store in movies. Once, he even had a cameo in a movie, and for a time, the movie stories replaced the Air Force stories.

Daddy loved people and he loved his family most of all. He had a special way with children. With a childlike spirit and the patience of a saint, he was the best playmate in the world. He was open to any game you wanted to play and he could be just as adventurous as you could, whether you wanted to slide down the big slide at the fair or to ride on top of a wheel barrow full of hay.

Daddy farmed on the side and loved raising cows and planting a garden. He grew corn, peas, tomatoes, and his very favorite, okra. In later years, the garden consumed his thoughts as his body aged and his health failed. He never stopped dreaming of planting another garden. When not thinking of planting okra, Daddy thought a lot about his early life and his stories circled back around to his childhood. I know now, it was his soul preparing to go home.

No matter what stage in life people knew him, everyone loved him. He was a good friend, son, brother, uncle, husband, father, and grandfather. There will never be anyone like him again.

We love you Daddy. Thank you for all the love and laughter you brought to our lives. We hope you're planting that garden right now. We can't wait to see you again one day to help you harvest it.

The family will be holding a celebration of life service at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family requests for you to write a memory of Mr. Smith in the guestbook.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel. 912-754-6421