James Arthur Smith of Beaufort, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026 after a prolonged illness, at the age of 83, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on December 28, 1942, in Grays, South Carolina, James was the son of the late Herman Smith, Sr. and Lillie Cook Smith Griffin. After attending Spartanburg Methodist College, he made Beaufort his home in 1965. There, he co-founded a finance company with his brother, Herman Smith, Jr. and later established the Appliance and TV Center, which he owned and operated with integrity and vision until his retirement in 2015. He was a respected and successful businessman whose word was his bond and whose quiet determination earned the trust of the community. Of note, he was awarded and voted in school Most Likely to Succeed, Class President, Best Dressed, and Editor of his high school yearbook. He was a member of Future Farmers of America, the 4-H Club, Beta Club, and basketball team. In Beaufort, he was a member of the Port Royal Baptist Church.

James believed you should always speak to everyone, and he did. Whether friend or stranger, each person was met with a warm greeting, ready smile, and genuine interest. He never met a stranger, only someone he had not yet spoken to. He believed in goodness and encouraged everyone to do their best. His love for people was matched only by his love for God’s creation. From childhood, when he kept his pet monkey, Bo Bo, to his lifelong enjoyment of bird watching, fishing, shrimping, gardening, and time on the water, he found joy in the outdoors and in the simple wonders of nature.

At home, weekends always included cooking his famous pancakes for breakfast and the comfort of family gathered close. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, James treasured time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, offering steady guidance, encouragement, and unwavering love. His life reflected humility, simplicity, faith, and a deep sense of responsibility to care well for those entrusted to him. His legacy will endure in the character of his family and in the countless lives he touched with kindness.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman Smith, Sr. and Lillie Cook Smith Griffin; stepfather, David Griffin; and his brothers, Herman Smith, Jr. and Leon Smith.

He is survived by his devoted wife and best friend of 65 years, Martha Jarrell Smith; his daughters, Jan Denise Smith of Beaufort, and Marlo Monique Smith Shissias (Charles) of Charleston; his granddaughters, Minda Chelsea Backus of Beaufort and Janna Eve Shissias of Charleston; and his grandson, Charles Logan Shissias of Charleston; his siblings, Wayne C. Smith (Sandra) and Linda Smith Laliberte (Lee); and sisters-in-law Geraldine Jarrell Skinner (Tommy) and Beverly Jarrell Cave (Bunny).

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Christian “Tootie” Mimnaugh for her compassionate care through MiraSol Health, and to Pastor Sam Owens for his faithful spiritual guidance, comfort, and steadfast conviction in proclaiming the salvation found in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Funeral arrangements for James are private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (lbda.org).

Copeland Funeral Service is assisting the Smith family with arrangements.