James Smith

US Army CSM (RET), James Edward Smith, 83, of Hope Mills, died Thursday, October 24, 2019 at his home.

Born in Dandridge, TN, he was the son of the late Claude Edward Smith and Minnie Pearl Smith.  Along with his parents, he is also preceded in death by his wife, Ida Mae Smith, granddaughter, Becca Sucharski, and grandsons, Russell Saylor and Loren.

Command Sergeant Major James E. smith, 313th MI Battalion (CEWI), culminated a very distinguished career of 27 years on 31 August 1981.  During a retreat retirement ceremony on Friday, CSM Smith was awarded the Legion of Merit.  CSM Smith served overseas tours in Japan, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, and Turkey.  A native of Dandridge, Tennessee, he entered active duty in 1954 and sandwiched tours at Ft. Bragg between his many overseas assignments.  Noteworthy of his service is the fact that he served as section leader Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant, Battalion Operations Sergeant and Command Sergeant Major, all within the 313th MI Battalion.  CSM Smith’s other awards include:  the Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal (3 OLC), and 9 awards of the Good Conduct Medal.

CSM Smith said, following the retirement ceremony, “I plan to pursue my second love, hunting and fishing”.  His next chapter was 20 years with the Department of Corrections before retiring to take care of the love of his life for 50 years, Ida, who passed in 2014.

He is survived by his daughters, Kimme Sucharski (Pat) and Tammie Minacapelli (Joe); son, Daniel Smith; grandchildren, Alan Sucharski (Maureen), James Michael Sucharski, Jessica Dean (Brent), Angeleana McGill, Gregory Berry, Joseph Minacapelli, Sean Koehler, Nick Minacapelli, Daniel Smith, and Heather Jones (Brad); great grandchildren, Amayalani Sucharski, Cody, McCoy, Tavia, Tevon, Heaven, Hope, Grace, Destiny, Jada, Meriweather, Pippa, Ivey, Kane, Alaina, Kade, Lilly, Aria, Baylor, Jessica; great great grandchildren, Emerson and Violet, sister, Elizabeth Kiersey; and his brother, Lloyd Hudson Smith (Jeanie).

James was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.