James Edward Smith

James "Jim" Edward Smith of Lincolnton, North Carolina, was born on December 15, 1947, and passed from this life on August 2, 2026.

Jim was a loving husband, father, and friend. Everyone who met him instantly liked him, and he brought countless laughs and cherished memories to his family and friends.

Jim proudly served in the United States Army from March 1968 to March 1970 and continued serving in the Army Reserve for four additional years during the Vietnam era.

On August 8, 1970, Jim married the love of his life, Betty Jean Carver, at Elk Valley Baptist Church in Banner Elk, North Carolina. Together they built a loving home and shared nearly 56 wonderful years of marriage. Jim faithfully provided for his wife and children, working as a full-time roofer for more than 40 years. He was known as a hard worker and a diligent provider.

Jim was a charter member of Fundamental Baptist Home Missions, Inc under the late Dr. James Ellis. He faithfully served for many years as Chairman of the Board of Deacons at Beech Avenue Baptist Church under the late Reverend Homer Wilson. He also served for many years as a deacon at Independent Baptist Tabernacle under the late Reverend James Ralph Carver. At the time of his passing, Jim was a faithful member of Old Pathway Baptist Church in Gastonia, North Carolina, under Pastor Jim Carver.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 56 years, Betty Carver Smith, of the home; his daughter, Rebecca (Becky) Jean Smith and her husband, Steven Michael Yellen, of Lincolnton, North Carolina; and his son, Joel Edward Smith and his husband, J.M. Robichaud, of Ottawa, Canada.

He is also survived by his sister, Francis Smith Shook, and her daughters, Judy Shook and Janet Shook; his sisters-in-law, Geneva Wooten Carver, Mary Carver Watts, Teresa Ollis Carver, Minnie Carver Johnson, and Bobbie Smith; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Addie Rayster Smith Laws; his father, Warren Harden Smith; and his brother, Robert Lee Smith. He was also preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, James Ralph Carver; Arnold Paul Carver and his wife, Janelle Lewis Carver; Luther Vance Carver and his wife, Phyllis Pritchard Carver; Earl Lance Carver Jr.; Harry Wade Shook; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Greene Funeral Service Chapel, 1503 South York Road, Gastonia, NC, from 12:30 p.m. until 1:45p.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. A Celebration of Life service will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m in the chapel.

Burial will follow in the cemetery at Independent Baptist Tabernacle, 2128 Dallas Cherryville Highway, Dallas, NC.