James W. Smith

James W. Smith passed away Thursday, September 30, 2021, at his home.  He was born in Castle, Oklahoma on April 2, 1947 to Amanda and Eddie Smith.  He served in the Army during the Vietnam War for three years.

James married Lucy Kay (Harjo) Smith in Castle, Oklahoma on September 6, 1972.  He worked at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City and retired in 2002.  Upon retirement, James enjoyed spending time with his grandkids.  He was a member of Wewoka United Indian Methodist Church. He served as a pastor of a few Methodist churches from 1998 to 2010.  He was a man of God.  James enjoyed watching whatever event his grandkids did.  He was an avid OU softball fan.  James enjoyed going to fiddle dances before his health declined.

James was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years; his parents and his siblings, Cindy and Paul and two infant brothers.

James leaves behind three children, Ryan Smith, Denise Franks, Shelia Smith,  Brian Factor, and JB Smith and wife, Vanessa; grandchildren, AJ Yargee, Kyle Yargee, Noah Smith, Amanda Factor, Emma Factor and Quentin Factor; one great granddaughter,  Manaayah Grace Smiley-Yargee; one special niece, Louisa Proctor and spouse, Archie; one special granddaughter, Alijah Bowen; siblings, Betty Smith, Gale Smith, Randy Smith, Captain Smith and wife, Rosie, Jason Smith and wife Lorena, Linda Hicks and husband, Tommy, Chester Smith and Christy Smith.

Pallbearers are Chad Smith, Greg Smith, Colin Coon, Wade Davis, Terrell Coon, Elton Smith, Ronald Grammar and Archie Simpson.

Honorary pallbearers are AJ Yargee, Kyle Yargee, Noah Smith, Quentin Factor, Darrell Coon, Ronnie Smith, Michael Smith, Mody B. Harjo, Marsey B. Harjo and William B. Harjo.

Viewing will be held on Saturday, October 2, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma.  We will depart from the funeral home at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 3, 2021 to go to Wewoka Indian Methodist Church in Yeager, Oklahoma.  Wake services will begin at 7:00 p.m.  Graveside services will be held on Monday, October 4, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at B. Harjo Cemetery.  The family request that everyone wear a face mask.