James Scott Smith, 70, of West Portsmouth, Ohio, passed away at Southern Ohio Medical Center on June 12, 2025.
Born on January 29, 1955, Scott was the beloved son of the late Charles Emory Smith and Patricia Ann Smith. A proud native of Portsmouth, Scott graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1973 where he was class president and went on to earn his undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University in 1976, majoring in business. He then pursued his legal education at Ohio Northern College of Law, earning his Juris Doctor in 1978. He continued his professional education at the University of Delaware’s General Management Institute.
Following law school, Scott returned to his hometown to begin a long and distinguished career in law. From 1979 until his passing, he faithfully served the Portsmouth community as a practicing attorney. In addition to his private legal practice, Scott worked as an Assistant Prosecutor with the Scioto County Prosecutor’s Office, Special Counsel with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Referee with Portsmouth Municipal Court, Board Member of Scioto County Board of Elections, President of Scioto County Bar Association. His public service extended beyond the courtroom, having served on the Ohio Lottery Commission and the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority Board. He also led the Scioto County Republican Committee as its President, demonstrating his lifelong commitment to civic engagement and leadership.
In addition to his legal and political career, Scott was a successful entrepreneur and former owner/operator of Capitol Pontiac Buick GMC Jeep Eagle of Portsmouth. He served as President of Scioto County New Car Dealers Association and President of C&I Inc and S&A Inc.
In 1974, Scott married his high school sweetheart, Robyn Carole Litteral. Their marriage of 51 years was a testament to enduring love, partnership, and mutual support.
Scott was preceded in death by his father, Charles Emory Smith, in 1995, and his mother, Patricia Ann Smith, in 2000. He is survived by his devoted wife Robyn, and their three daughters: Mica (James) Foley of Portsmouth, Amanda (Jason) Hedrick of West Portsmouth, and Suellen (Matthew) Doughman of West Portsmouth. He also leaves behind his brother, Dr. Andrew Smith (Johanna) of Gahanna, Ohio, his cherished in-laws, Frank and Judith Litteral of Portsmouth, and his sister-in-law Kelly (Barney) Cooper of Portsmouth.
Scott was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren: Lexey, Cole, Reese, Jacob, Jackson, Dalton, Kennedy, Ethan, and eight great-grandchildren: Elliott, Weston, Oakley, Emmett, Knox, Ella, Rhett, and Lennox. His legacy lives on through each of them.
Scott will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to family, community, and justice. He lived with integrity, served with honor, and loved without condition.
Friends and family may call as we celebrate his life on Tuesday, June 17 from 5-7 PM at F.C. Daehler Mortuary in Portsmouth.
The visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 18 from 12-1 PM. The funeral service will begin at 1 PM at F.C. Daehler Mortuary on Wednesday, June 18, with burial to follow at Memorial Burial Park in Wheelersburg.
Please visit www.fcdaehlermortuary.com to leave a special memory of Scott or condolences for his family.
