James Anderson Smith departed from this life on January 23rd, 2025 at six o'clock AM in Hot Springs, AR. He was born on February 10th, 1934 in Stone County, in the Township of Roasting Ear (Fifty-Six), AR. to the late Frances and Mae Smith. He was a member of the Church of God in Arkadelphia, AR.

James, better known as "Dude," truly lived up to his nickname from a young boy until his death. He was definitely a "dude.  He had an ornery side that would get a good laugh out of most around.   Diana said that one of the funniest things she can remember is when one of his pranks backfired Dude stuck his teeth out at one of his very small grandsons while holding him. This prank resulted in Dad having to change his clothes. The young boy was so scared that he had an accident all over Dude. This cured him from that stunt!   Diana remembers sitting on Dad's knee as a child while he brushed her hair. He would always say, "Sis., don't cut your long hair. It is beautiful!"   Tosha remembers Papa always having an apple waiting on her when she came for a visit.

Dude had a strong work ethic. He always worked hard to provide for his family. He also taught his children the importance of working hard! He is remembered saying many times, "I am so proud all my kids are hard workers."

James was a very talented guitarist. Diana likes to say, "Dad could really make a guitar talk." He enjoyed playing his guitar for family and friends. His playing was quite an enjoyment for all that heard. His children are of the persuasion that there was no one better at playing the guitar.

The children grew up thinking his birthday was February 12th until they discovered his birth certificate stated it was on the 10th. He thought this was funny and would say, "Well, two gifts for me!" This was "dad," always trying to make things fun and produce a laugh. As a prankster, he got great enjoyment out of having his grandkids and great grandkids try buttermilk! Josh had his experience with "buttermilk" tasting. Papa gave him a taste. Josh responded by vomiting on the floor, Josh has not drank buttermilk since! I remember him giving Nolan a taste when Nolan was

about two years old. After Nolan grimaced from the taste, Papa got a big laugh, to which Grandma replied, "You're just sick, Dude. You're just sick!"

Dude is quoted as saying, "Just don't sweat the small stuff Was he a perfect dad? Are any of us perfect parents?

Dude's children remember him loving them in his own way and always providing for them. He will be forever loved and missed so much. His memory will live on in our hearts.

Mr. Smith is survived by his two sons, Glenn A. Smith (Linda), of Donaldson, AR., Rev. Dewayne L. Smith (Rhonda) of Friendship, AR. He is also survived by his three daughters, Virginia Babb of Conway, AR., Diana Bone (Charlie) of Corinth, MS., and Melissa McKim of Hot Springs, AR. He had twenty-seven great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren.   Mr. Smith is survived by one brother-in-law, Darvin L. Brown (Beth) of Mountain View, AR., one sister-in- law, Doris Brown of Timbo, AR. and a host of nieces and nephews.   Mr. Smith leaves behind twelve grandchildren: Misty Cundiff (Jason) o Galatia, IL., April Burris (David) of Arkadephia, AR., Ricky Page of Little Rock, AR., Cody Babb (Brenda) of Mayflower, AR., Brandon Smith of Friendship AR., Brooke Rickey (Casey) of Hot Springs, AR., Joshua Morgan (Tammy) of Hollister, FL., Tosha Magee (Chad) of Crosby, TX., Rev.  Charlie M. Bone (Amanda) of Corinth, MS, Jason McKim (Trish) of Donaldson, AR., Landon McKim (Jeanni) of Donaldson, AR., Madison Schultz (Tyler) of Donaldson, AR.

James was preceded in death by his wife, Charlene D. Smith, his parents, two sisters, Lily Baker, Charlene Downs, one brother, June Smith and two grandsons, Michael A. Page and Maxie J. Morgan, two sisters-in law, Deloris Trantham and Linda Brown, four brothers-in-law, Rev. Clifton Downs, Jerry Baker, Charles L. Brown and Aaron "Dude" Trantham.

There will be a graveside service Gilchrist Cemetery in Friendship, AR.  Monday, January 27th at 1 PM. Bro. Dewayne Smith and Bro. C.M. Bone will be officiating.  Burial will also be a Gilchrist Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Brandon Smith, Cody Babb, Jason McKim, Landon McKim, Tyler Schultz and Hunter Babb. Honorary pallbearers are Ricky Page, Joshua Morgan, Taylor Tovar, Joesph Morgan, Caleb Babb, Kristopher Morgan, Cohen Smith, Jack Vineyard, Matt Vineyard, Paris Stroud, Brett Drew, C.J. Morgan, Caden McKim, Nolan Bone, Jase McKim, Matthew McKim, and Waylon Schultz.