James O. Smith, 72, of South Webster, died Friday, June 3, 2011 at Southern Ohio Medical Center. He was born March 23, 1939 in Frederick, Ohio son of the late Albert Wesley and Violet Shope Smith. He graduated from the Huntington Barber College and served the community as a Barber throughout his life. He was a former Fireman for USEC and served in the U.S. Army. James was a former pastor for the Freewill Baptist Churches of Frederick, Eifort, Antioch, and Germany Hollow, and he was a lifetime member of Frederick Freewill Baptist Church. He was a published poet and was awarded the Golden Poet in 1991 by the World of Poetry. He is survived by his wife Joyce, whom he married Aug. 18, 1981 in Letart Falls, Oh; three sons, James Matthew (Tiffany) Smith of Cheyenne, WY, Donald C. Riffle, of Cincinnati, Monte (Jennifer) Riffle of Racine; one daughter, Melissa (Tim) Conley; one brother, Caryold Smith of Wheelersburg; three sisters, Piccola Ruth of South Webster, Wanda Noel of Wheelersburg, Frankie Cunningham of Columbus; 12 grandchildren, Derek, Jerry and Shayla Smith of Cheyenne, WY, Gabriel, Jacob, Andrew, and Audrey Riffle of Racine, Ryan, Carrie-Allie, Trace, and Caden Conley of South Webster, and Allyson Davis of Albany. James will also be missed by many family and friends. He was also preceded in death by one brother, Albert Smith, Jr., and two sisters, Goldia Whittington, and Muriel Hager.

Oh, the friends that now are waiting In the cloudless realms of day, Who are calling me to follow Where their steps have led the way. I shall see them, I shall know them, I shall hear their song of love, And we'll all sing Hallelujah. In our Father's house above. - Franny Crosby

Services will be Thursday, June 9, 2011 at 11am at D.W. Swick Funeral Home in South Webster with Pastor Merit Smith and Matthew Smith officiating. Burial will be at South Webster Cemetery with graveside military honors by James Dickey Post 23, American Legion. Visitation will be Wednesday 4-8 PM at D.W. Swick in South Webster. Online condolences to dwswickfuneralhome.com.