James Edward Smith, 71, of Rayville, LA went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 18, 2026. He was born on January 15, 1955, a son to the late Edward O’Neal Smith and Bobbie Jo Barton.

Jim was born in Jena, LA, where he also graduated high school. Jim served in the United States Navy and later pursued a master’s degree in social work from Grambling State University. Jim served the community through the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals from 1998-2008. He then worked as an Assistant Funeral Home Director with Mulhearn Funeral Home in Rayville, LA. After retirement, Jim found joy in spending his early morning hours with his milk cow, Odie, on his quaint little farm, along with an array of goats, bees, bulls, chickens, cats, and his faithful companion Allie, a boarder collie mix. He loved music and possessed a great deal of talents. Jim played the piano, guitar, six string banjo, mandolin, and was learning to play dobro. There wasn’t a stringed instrument he was afraid to tackle. A long time member of Friendship Baptist Church, Jim served on the praise team as lead guitar and assistant music director. He also served as Sunday School director, taught Sunday School and was a member of many committees. Jim Smith was a hard working, devoted and faithful friend to many, whose absence will be deeply felt.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Rosemary Smith and sister, Wanda Smith.

Survivors include his beloved wife of ten years, Odell; two children, Krystal Gilmore and James Hines and wife, Summer; three grandchildren, Kerri Gilmore, Jonas Gilmore, and Jensen Hines; two sisters, Rhonda Toler and husband, Albert “Muchie” and Sandra Adams and husband, Kenny; brother, Roger Smith and wife, Christine; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Friendship Baptist Church with Rev. Prentis Gandy officiating. Interment will follow in the Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home Rayville, LA.

Honorary pallbearer will be Austin Smith.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M. until service time on Saturday at the church