James Allen Smith

With profound sadness, we announce the death of our baby brother, our children”s special uncle and a friend to many – James Allen Smith. His sudden passing has left a huge dent in all our hearts.

James was born in Luling, Texas, on April 8, 1960. He departed this life on December 28, 2011 at his residence in Prairie Lea.

He is survived by his three sisters: Sandra Phelps,

of Lockhart, Carolyn Phelps and husband, Harry, of Fentress, Michelle Krueger, of Lockhart, and James “Doc” Birch of Prairie Lea. He is also loved and will be missed by his nieces and nephews: Shannon Sandell, Sharla Phelps, Donna Phelps, Darren Phelps, Nikki Krueger and Jamie Krueger. He leaves behind many, many longtime friends, who became his extended family.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Oscar and Johnnye Smith, and Louis and Jesse Miller; parents, Maggie and James Guy Smith; and one infant sister, Phyllis Jeanette Smith.

James was an avid gardener who shared his crops and flowers with everyone. He inherited the “fishing gene” from his dad, and had enjoyed many successful trips with his friends. He always had a story to tell and laugh about.

He was also a musician who played in the Saggy Brown Band for many years, and some of his best times were jamming with fellow musicians. He spent many Sunday afternoons with his “buddies” skeet shooting, and could keep up with the best in scoring. Another Sunday might find him riding his motorcycle on “a poker run” with his biking friends.

His love of nature and the outdoors were reflected in his hobbies and also, he could cook a mean pot of beans and cornbread on his wood stove.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011, at the Fentress Community Cemetery, where his ashes will be placed at a later date.

We wish to express heartfelt gratitude to all our family, his dear friends who came and helped prepare, and the community for their outpouring of love and concern for James.