James Smith III

Obituary For James Smith III

James Henry Smith III

James Henry Smith III was born to James H. Smith II and Sarah Lee Jones Underwood on September 23, 1966 in Knoxville, Tennessee. James departed this life Thursday, November 18, 2021 at home.

He had a heart of gold, never met a stranger, and was very protective of his family. He grew up to be a leader in high school, commander of the ROTC, president of the DECA club, Best Dressed, Homecoming King, and Mr. West High School. He received an associate degree from Knoxville College where he became a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. He later transferred to Middle Tennessee State University where he was a member of the Black Student Union.

He held various jobs throughout his career. His true passion was being a supervisor over the mental disabled at Sertoma Center.

Preceded in death: Father, James "Butch" H. Smith II; Grandmothers, Betty Mathis, Bessie Mae Jones Debro; Grandfathers: Leroy Allen, Joe Mathis

Left to cherish his memory: Wife, Amanda "Nicki" Cooper Smith; Mother, Sarah Underwood; Stepfather, John Underwood,Sr.; Children: Rominda, Chesney, Kayla, James IV, Xavier, Jordan, Marquise, Madison, Dewayne, and Isabelle. Grandchildren: Chandler, Carleigh, Calynn, Marvin Jr., Mariah, and James V

Siblings: Teresa (Rodney)Lynch, LaTonya (Linval) Underwood, Johnetta (Shannon) Upton, John Jr. (Pauletta) Underwood, Marcus (Alicia) Underwood

Nieces and Nephews: Taylor, Clarence, Alyssa, Scottie, Alexis, Navia, Khalil,Marcus Jr., Shannon, Matthew, Alana, and Eliana

Aunts and Uncles: Diane Mathis, Pearl Mathis, Paulette Newton, Joyce Underwood, Edward (Carolyn) Jones, Hubert Latham, Larry Mathis, Robert Debro, Ronnie Underwood, and a host of cousins and friends.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 27, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. with the Celebration of Life Service to begin at 12:00 noon at the Unity Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Anthony Cannon officiating.

Mr. Smith will lie in state on Friday, November 26, 2021 from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Unity Mortuary Chapel.

Unity Mortuary is honored to serve this family.