James August Smith, 70, of Lucasville, passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at Southern Ohio Medical. He was born on September 21, 1955 in Portsmouth to the late Charles S Smith and Martha Augusta Langley Smith. On September 18, 1977 he was united in marriage to Billie Jo Wooten Smith of Lucasville.
In addition to his wife, James is survived by his children; Aaron O. Smith of Lucasville, Jennifer D. (Tony) Ayers of Chillicothe and Gina R. (Brad) Harris of Cincinnati; grandchildren, Jonathan (Breanna) Smith, Andrew Havens, Allison Harris and Emily Havens; great grandchildren, Hazel, Willow, James, Cole and Billie and his brother; Marvin Rex (Connie) Smith of South Shore, Kentucky. In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his siblings; Charlene, Charlie, Judy, John, Victor, Eva and Glenna.
James was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who deeply cherished his family. He was a hard worker, a wonderful husband, and a man whose humor brought joy and laughter to everyone around him. James loved Jesus with all his heart, and his faith was evident in the way he lived and loved others. He especially enjoyed singing and playing the guitar, often using his music to share joy and encouragement. His legacy of love, faith, and laughter will live on in all who were blessed to know him.
Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at Botkin Hornback Funeral Home in Otway with Pastor Brian Justice officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Burial will be scheduled as weather permits in Euton Cemetery in McDermott, Ohio with military graveside honors provided by American Legion William Baker Post 363.
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