James B. Smith, age 79, was welcomed into the arms of the Lord on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Tygart Center at Fairmont Campus, in Fairmont, WV. James loved the Lord, his family, and sharing music through his singing and guitar. He lived his faith openly and joyfully. He is now reunited with his parents and the siblings who went before him, surrounded by the peace he always believed in.
Mr. Smith was born April 9, 1946, in Buckhannon, WV, a son of the late Elbert Austin and Virginia Gladys Moore Smith.
He is survived by his wife, Gaila Bender Smith; four children, Michael James Smith of OH, Kristy Boylen and husband Nicholas of Buckhannon, Joshua Smith and wife Kimberly of OK, and Elissa Smith of OH; four step-children, Mindy Holguin and fiancé Dylan Smith of Buckhannon, Jason Hull of French Creek, WV, Jennifer Snodgrass and husband Cliff of Flatwoods, WV, and Danielle Egress and husband Jimmy of French Creek; 14 grandchildren, Aaron Boyles and wife Jasmine, Alexis Bumgardner, Taylor Bumgardner, Autumn Drake, Justice Courtney, Bryson Eby, Braedon Smith, Easton Gregory, Alliyah Boylen, Brett Boylen, Layleh Frame, Jaxton Smith, Jase Hull, and Braxton Egress; five great-grandchildren, Mason Wilfong, Hinley Wilfong, Brooklyn Osborne, Madison Boyles, and Violet Boyles; six brothers, Paul Smith of Buckhannon, Leonard Smith and wife Dorthy of Utica, OH, Roger Smith and wife Connie of Huntington, WV, Tim Smith and wife Christine of Buckhannon, Tom Smith and wife Brenda of Buckhannon, and Daniel Smith and wife Michelle of Dayton, TN; three sisters, Deloris Bedell and husband Denny of San Antonio, TX, Melinda Kay Sanders and husband Tim of Kanawha Head, WV, and Lisa Whaley and husband Brian of Alliance, OH; one brother-in-law, Jimmy Norman of Buckhannon; and hundreds of nieces and nephews, all of whom loved him dearly.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Richard, Kenneth, and Davey Smith; two sisters, Mary Debarr and Sue Norman; and one sister-in-law, Elsie Smith.
Mr. Smith was a retired U.S. Army veteran. James lived a life filled with faith, music, and love. He enjoyed fishing, camping, gospel music, singing, and playing his guitar. Though he will be deeply missed, the family rests in the promise that he is whole, at peace, and joyfully reunited with those who welcomed him home in Heaven. The family would like to extend a special thank you to his granddaughter, Taylor, for taking loving care of him in his final months.
Friends will be received Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with Pastor John Darnall officiating. Burial will follow in the Goshen Cemetery in Canaan, WV. The Upshur County Honor Guard will perform military honors at the graveside.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the funeral home to help with funeral expenses. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
