James Larry Smith

On December 24, 2025, James Larry Smith, of Charleston, MO, went to be with the Lord.  He was 77.

James was born at the family home in Caruthersville, MO, on January 12, 1948, to James Wesley Smith and Willie D. "Jackie" Smith.  The family lived in Caruthersville until moving to Blytheville, Arkansas in 1959. They would then move to Sikeston, MO, and later Matthews, MO before moving to Charleston in 1965.   James finished his high school education in Sikeston as a 1966 graduate of Sikeston High School.  A faithful member of the Church of Christ in Charleston, he served on the board of directors for the church's non-profit for over 20 years and also served as president to direct the meetings. At a time when the congregation had a bus ministry, James drove the church bus to pick up children for Sunday School and Worship services.

James was always a hard worker and from the time he graduated high school he held several jobs including working with Dale Litchford at the Bowling Alley, Bill Bradley at his service station and Burkhart Foam in Cairo, IL.

In 1969, James was drafted into the United States Army and served during the Vietnam War. In 1971, he was honorably discharged with the rank of Spec. 4.

James returned to Charleston following his service and worked for the Jim Wilson Company in Cape Girardeau for many years and then with Truck Pro in Sikeston, MO, from where he retired.

James is survived by his brother, Garry Smith of the home, his sister, Judy F. Whitehead of Charleston and his brother-in-law, Charles Shanks of Sikeston.

James never married or had children of his own but had a host of nephews and nieces he loved dearly including Spencer C. (Melissa) Whitehead, Abby E. Whitehead, Charles Eric Shanks, Joseph (Johnna) Shanks and Lorie (Keith) Campbell; his great nephews and nieces, Adalynd Whitehead, Hudson Whitehead, Adam (Nicole) Campbell, Megan Campbell, Kolebe Shanks, Jonathan Shanks, Jessica Shanks and Jacob Shanks.

Also surviving is his dear sister in Christ who helped care for him, Cindy Deason, and his wonderful caretakers, especially, Loretta Gary, who always went the extra mile to help with his care.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Ruby Ann Smith Shanks.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral hour at noon, Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston. Pete Nuthak will officiate.

Interment will follow in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery near Charleston under the direction of the McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston, MO.

Pallbearers will be Jonathan Shanks, Jacob Shanks, Kolebe Shanks, Joe Shanks, Eric Shanks and Spencer Whitehead.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.