JAMES OWEN SMITH, 84, of Milton, W.Va., went home to be with the Lord on August 14, 2024, at St. Mary's Medical Center. James was born in Winifrede, West Virginia on October 14, 1939, son of the late Norris "Red" Smith & Elizabeth C. Smith (Johnston).  He was also preceded in death by his brother Billy Smith (Nancy), and sister Gloria Adams (Joe).

He is survived by his daughter Emily R. Goodpaster (Joey); stepson George Myers; and one grandson whom he thought the world of, Easton G. Goodpaster; his sister Alice Smith; and two brothers Larry Smith (Paulla), and Sam Smith (Marcy). He had a host of nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. He was a proud veteran that served in the United States Marine Corps.

The family would like to send a special thanks to the nursing staff on Pulmonary at St. Mary's Medical center for all of their compassion during this difficult time. Jim had wishes set in place to be a Donation of Life to Marshall University School of Medicine. Military Honors will be performed at Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Dunbar, W.Va. Friday August 30, 2024, at 2pm. Directly after, friends and family will join together for a "Celebration of Life" in his hometown of Winifrede, W.Va. at Old Glory Freewill Baptist Church.