09/09/2025
It is with heavy and peaceful hearts that we announce the passing of James Edward Smith of Somerset and London Kentucky. James went to be with our Lord and Savior on September 7th, 2025 at the age of 73 after battling cancer. Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life and Memorial Service, Sunday, September 14th, 2025 at Lake Cumberland Funeral Home, from 2PM until 5PM.
James was known for many things: his hard work ethic, honesty, generosity, humor, and love for our Lord and Savior. His absence in this life leaves a tremendous void in the lives of his family and friends - too many friends to count.
James was born in Baugham Kentucky on August 10th, 1952, to Sallie (Callihan) Smith and the late Edward Smith. James grew up in a close knit home full of love and music. James would spend 20 years of his adult life in finance with Barclays Bank, 27 years of his life owning James Smith Motors INC and Smith Farm, and 20 years of his life until his death stock trading and writing 18 Kentucky genealogy books. James’ brilliant mind would rank him in the top 5% of the nation as a stock trader; he developed many successful techniques throughout his life and was a mentor to countless traders. His love of history and genealogy was well known throughout the state where he was honored by Kentucky Historical Societies. James was always willing to talk about the stock market or your family roots.
Those left to honor James’ memory include his loving mother Sallie Smith (Seven Mile, OH), and his three children that admired and cherished him; Edward Smith (Pineville, KY), Chrissa and Richard Van Dam (Somerset, KY), and Daniel and Maggie Smith (Pineville, Ky). James adored being a Papaw and left a legacy in his 8 grandchildren: Logan Smith, Peyton and Tommy Prunty, Blake Edward Brown, Madaline and Kaleb Adams, Jasmine Vasby, Benjamin Vasby, Autumn Vasby, and Theodore James Van Dam.
James was the oldest of his 4 siblings, the leader of the pack, and the big brother. The siblings remain the best of friends. Those left to carry on their strong family traditions, sibling bonds, and memories include Bill and Bonnie Smith (Aubrey, TX), his two loving daughters Rhonda Smith and Anna Kirchmayer, Carolyn and Marvin Siegel (Mason, OH), her two wonderful children Angela and Travis Crum (Milford, OH), Andrew and Amber Allen (Covington KY), and her three grandsons Landon, Nathaniel and Gavin Crum, Ronnie and Leslie Smith (Glasgow, KY), his wonderful two sons Tyler Smith and Noah Smith, along with his precious granddaughter Gracie Smith. Lastly, Laura and Eddie Musgrave (Hamilton, OH), her two loving daughters Taylor and Jason Lewis and Emily Ray, along with her sweet grandson Jameson Lewis.
Many other family members are left to honor James including Aunt Martha (Smith) Gray, Aunt Bobbie (Callihan) Jones, Aunt Roberta (Merida)Smith, and countless cousins.
James was preceded in death by his beloved father Edward Smith, his youngest daughter -that he lost tragically to a car accident- Lisa Marie Vasby, and his precious niece Jennifer Smith.
From 2PM until 3PM we invite you to share your unforgettable memories and stories of James with friends and family. Beginning at 3PM until 4PM Bro. David Hammond, family members, and James’ grandson Logan Smith will honor James with words and music. Lastly, from 4PM until 5PM food and drinks will be offered in the reception hall where we can share more wonderful moments of James’ life.
In lieu of flowers, it would honor James and the family if you shared with someone in need, perhaps a family fighting a cancer battle. Whether it is a hot meal, kind word, or monetary donation… to love thy neighbor is one of the two greatest commandments. Two of James’ last words included him signing, “God provides.” James was born with a big heart, and his love and care for others is his greatest legacy.
A special thanks to LCRH and the nurses on unit ICU North (especially nurse Jessica), Somerset Nursing and Rehabilitation, and Lake Cumberland Funeral Home.
You are welcome to view the obituary and send condolences to the family at our website: www.LakeCumberlandFuneralService.com
Lake Cumberland Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements for James Smith.