James Gordon Smiley Jr., 88, of Mooresville, N.C., passed away, Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at his residence.
James was born July 12, 1935, in Hinesville, Ga., and was the son of the late James Gordon Smiley Sr. and Ruth Salter Smiley. He was a graduate of Bradwell Institute in Hinesville, Ga., and later honorably served in the U.S. Navy. In June of 1958, he married Loretta Hughes Smiley and attended the University of South Carolina. He was a District Sales Manager of Dayco Corporation and was an active member of Peninsula Baptist Church in Mooresville, where he served as a Deacon and a Sunday School teacher.
In addition to his wife of 65 years, James is survived by four children, Lynn S. Rosental (John) of Mooresville, Jim Smiley III (Colleen) of Huntersville, Lisa S. Locklear (James) of Statesville, and Lara S. Christy (David) of Davidson; one brother, Gary Smiley of Savannah, Ga.; nine grandchildren, JR Rosental, Carrie Rosental (Eric Johnson), Claire Rosental, Torey Smiley (Aaron Baker), Jake Smiley, Allison Crowley, Callie Crowley, Clay Christy, and Ryan Christy; and four great grandchildren, Josiah, Emmy, Renni and Gabe.
James was preceded in death by two sisters, Betty Osborne and Joyce Sousa.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 8, 2024, at Peninsula Baptist Church in Mooresville beginning with visitation at 1 p.m. followed by the funeral ceremony at 2 p.m. with Rev. Robert Jackson officiating. A private family burial will follow the service.
James was a devoted husband, father and friend to all who knew him. He was a kind and humble gentleman who always put his family first. His endearing nature was a great source of comfort and support for his family and enabled him to be a friend to anyone he met.
He enjoyed a long and successful career in sales where he leveraged his exceptional people skills to build relationships and immediately gain the trust and confidence of his customers and co-workers alike.
He enjoyed woodworking as a hobby and was a very talented handyman that could tackle any size project and repair most anything. He was always available to assist his family with their needs around the house and was generous in sharing his handyman talents.
James was a man of very strong faith and served as an active church member in many capacities over his entire life. His mature faith gave him the foundation to deliver the most eloquent prayers for the benefit of his family and friends. He had a great love and appreciation for classic literature and possessed a masterful vocabulary.
He will be greatly missed by his family and all that knew him but his legacy as a role model and fine example of a life well lived will remain always as a positive influence and provide strength to his family to move forward. He will rest in eternal peace with the Lord.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Memorials may be made to the Peninsula Baptist Church Senior Ministries at 687 Brawley School Road, Mooresville, NC 28117.
Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.