James Oliver "Jim" Smith, 74, went home to be with our Lord and Savior on February 28, 2025 at Soin Medical Center in Beavercreek, Ohio, surrounded by his loving family.

James was born August 25, 1950 in Fayetteville, West Virginia to the late Orville and Winifred (Price) Smith. Jim grew up in Delaware, Ohio with his father, mother, brothers and sisters.

Jim worked at Honda of America in Marysville, Ohio where he retired after 25 years of service.  He was an avid fan of the Michigan Wolverines football team.

Most of all, Jim loved the Lord. He would not start his day without prayer, reading his Bible and reading the Upper Room Devotional.  Jim was a faithful servant and deacon of Flintridge Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio.

Jim moved to Springfield, Ohio in 2005 where he was joined in marriage to Linda Bentley Stroder on March 12, 2005.  He became a faithful servant of St. John Missionary Baptist Church where he served on the Deacon Board, the Security Team for Vacation Bible School, and Christian Men's Fellowship.  He attended Bible Study and Small Groups.

His memory will be cherished by his loving and devoted wife, Linda (Bentley) Smith; daughter, Erica N. (Smith) Goings; devoted stepson, Robert Eugene Stroder Jr.; and devoted daughter-in-law, Valerie (Brian) Stroder; devoted grandchildren, Jerrica L. Schultz and LaRon N. Murdock, 14 grandchildren and three great grandchildren; a special niece, Veronica Armstrong; devoted friends, Dave (Sharon) Glassburn, James Applin, Mike Gaines, Ed Hawthorne and Tim Jenkins and a host of nieces, nephews cousins and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, seven brothers, three sisters, a devoted stepson, Brian W. Stroder and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation is Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 12 noon until the time of service at 1 p.m. in St. John Missionary Baptist Church.  Burial will follow in Ferncliff Cemetery.