OPELOUSAS – Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at Ford and Joseph Funeral Home in Opelousas, LA for Mr. James Smith, affectionately known by his family and friends as “Bubba”, 88, who entered eternal rest on Thursday, April 4, 2025 at The Carpenter’s House in Lafayette, LA.

Rev. Frank L. Ford, Pastor of Community Chapel Church of God In Christ, will be officiating the funeral service.

Mr. Smith’s memories are being cherished by: his spouse, Annette Mason Smith of Melville, LA; four sons, Freddie (Tracy) Mason, Sr. of Clarksville, TN, Clifton (Raquel) Mason, Sr. of Lafayette, LA, Brandon Mason of Melville, LA and Dustin (Sharriet) Mason of Opelousas, LA; four daughters, Gail Tanner (Jimmy) of Melville, LA, Neverly Smith (Tony) of Opelousas, LA, Vanessa Smith of Melville, LA and Betsy Gipson (George) of Simmesport, LA; sixteen grandchildren; twenty great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by: his parents, Sherman and Louwilda Gobert Smith; one daughter, Sharon Smith; one brother, Nolan Smith; and three sisters, Annie Mae Levine, Barbara Andrus and Mary Coleman.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Ford and Joseph Funeral Home.

Words of condolences may be expressed at fordandjosephfh.com

Ford and Joseph Funeral Home, 907 N. Market St., Opelousas, LA, (337) 942-6750, is in charge of arrangements.