James Leroy Smith of St. James passed away Friday October 18, 2019 at his home in St. James. He was 81 years of age.

Leroy as he was known by his family and friends was born January 18, 1938 in Redbird, Mo., the son of the late George E. and Lena Cordes Smith.

On August 24th 1957 at Senatobia, Mississippi he married his high school sweetheart, Donna Louise Walker. They had been married 62 years.

He is survived by his wife Donna Smith of St. James; Sons: Ricky Lynn Smith and his wife Gloria Jean of Cuba, Mo., and Perry Dean Smith of the family home in St. James, along with one daughter Lucinda Rae Davis and her husband Jim of Lebanon, TN. Further survived by one Sister-in-law Joyce Smith of Rolla, Mo., and 3 grandchildren: Dana Michelle and Amber. 6 great-grandchildren: Morgan, Garon, Joey, Caden, Kytelin and Jaydyn, along with other family and a host of friends.

Leroy and Donna built many homes in this area. They bought some homes and remolded them and resold them. Donna said she had lived in 43 different home since they were married. Leroy worked construction all his life and had just remolded a home south of town before his health failed. He loved his family and was proud of all of them.

Leroy Smith will lie in state 10:00 a.m. October 21, 2019 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James.

Funeral Service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Monday October 21, 2019 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James with Mike Smith officiating. Burial will be in the St. James Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ken Fox, Craig Brown, Dwight Cowan, Kirby Lindsay, Kurt Zweig and Mike Smith. Sandy Zinn will be an Honorary Pallbearer. Memorials may be given to the High Gate Baptist Church.

Online condolences, flowers and gifts may be entered at www.jonesfunerals.com

All arrangements are under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Mo.