James Robert "Jimmy" Smith, Jr. died Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at UMMC in Jackson, Mississippi. He was born on November 9, 1945, in Greenwood, Mississippi, to Bob and Marcelle Smith. He graduated from Greenwood High School in 1963 and was drafted into the Army at age eighteen, serving as a military policeman in Germany. In 1970, he married Annette Marascalco.  He began his career in the purchasing department at Greenwood Leflore Hospital in 1977, where he worked until he retired in 2007. In retirement, Jimmy devoted himself to caring for his family and could often be found supporting his grandchildren at Pillow Academy events, helping Annette run her salon, or doing home repairs for his children.  He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, faith, love of family and serving others.  He truly had a servant's heart. He was a man who believed that love was best shown through action.  His hands were always working, especially in his yard, his heart always giving, and his presence always steady.  Those who knew him were blessed by his generosity, his gentle spirit, and kind heart.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-six years, Annette Marascalco Smith; son, Lance Smith (Shelia); daughter, Shea Smith Crowder (Jim); grandchildren Wade Smith, Perry Smith, and Ann Rogers Crowder.  Siblings, Jean Cleveland (Bo), JoAnn Geeting (Barney), and Doug Smith (Barbara).

He is preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Marcelle Smith; sister, Barbara Snow; nieces, Cindy Edwards, Michelle Joyner; nephew, Donnie Cleveland and his dearest friend and brother-in-law, Louis Marascalco.

Visitation services will be Wednesday, June 3rd from 5:00pm – 7:00 pm at Wilson & Knight Funeral Home.  A celebration of life service will be held Thursday, June 4th at 11:00 am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. American Legion Post 29 will perform military rights.

Wade Smith, Perry Smith, Louie Marascalco, Chris Edwards, Robby Staten, Greg Staten, Michael Harbour, and Rich Hodges are serving as pallbearers.

Honorary pallbearers are Joe Pritchard, Tanner Thornton, and Trey Hodges.

Memorials in Jimmy's honor may be directed to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church or the Pullen Avant Memorial Scholarship at Pillow Academy.