James Eugene Smith

July 23, 1945 ~ July 18, 2021
Born in:
Oklahoma City, OK
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
James Eugene Smith, 75, passed away Sunday, July 18, 2021, at the Charles George VA Medical Center.
Mr. Smith was born July 23, 1945, in Oklahoma City, OK, to the late James Lee and Naomi Elizabeth Stewart Smith. He was a graduate of Southwestern Oklahoma State University, an Army veteran, and was a retired purchasing agent for the federal government.
He is survived by his wife, Lani Rathbun Smith; daughter, Michelle Lee Smith Keller (Jon); sons, Jeffery Edward Smith (Michelle), Thomas Eugene Smith (Mimi) and James Hardy Smith; grandchildren, Austin and Remy Smith; and two brothers, Norman Smith (Pam) and Darrell Smith (Vicki).
A Funeral Mass is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 28, 2021, with Rosary at 8:30 a.m., at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 102 Andrews Place, Swannanoa, NC, with military honors provided by the NC National Guard Memorial Team. Burial will be at the Salisbury, NC National Cemetery.
Services
Rosary: July 28, 2021 8:30 am
St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church
102 Andrews Place
Swannanoa, NC 28778
828-252-3535
Funeral Mass: July 28, 2021 9:00 am
St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church
102 Andrews Place
Swannanoa, NC 28778
828-252-3535
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
I will always remember Jim as a kind man who embraced every day. I will miss seeing him in the back yard and by the stream. He was so kind to me, and we had many good laughs together in the short time we have been neighbors. Lani, he loves you so much and will continue to do so from beyond. I am heartbroken. Please know that Joe and I are here for you. Always love.