James "Jim" Smith, 75, passed away on March 5, 2026, at his residence.

Jim was born in Cleveland County, NC on July 17, 1950, a son of the late Wilbur Smith and Elizabeth Annie Oliver Smith Rice. Jim worked as a butcher at Ingles in Shelby. He was a member of Landmark Baptist Church in Shelby. Jim enjoyed the outdoors especially hunting and fishing. He also loved his family and friends and enjoyed spending time with them.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Elizabeth "Lib" Smith of the home; a daughter; Tabbatha Pearson of Shelby; a stepbrother; Johnny Rice (Cindy); three stepsisters, Rosemary Clark of Monroe; Nancy Staley (Joe) of Lincolnton; Donna Torsiello of Schroon Lake, NY; one granddaughter, Carmen Peterson (Tyler); a great granddaughter, Brinleigh Peterson.

The family will receive friends from 11:30AM to 12:45PM at Landmark Baptist Church in Shelby on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, and at other times the family will be at the home.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00PM on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Landmark Baptist Church with Rev. Allen Davis and Rev. Jerome Cash officiating.

Burial will follow at Cleveland Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Landmark Baptist Church, 1724 East Dixon Blvd. Shelby, NC 28151.

Online condolences can be made at www.stameytysingerfuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home & Cremation Center-Fallston.