Pastor James H. Smith, 77, a resident of Sandy Hook, Miss., passed away Aug. 14, 2018, at his residence from leukemia. No services are to be announced at this time.

He was born June 21, 1941 in Tylertown, to Ernest and Janie Smith. He worked as a pastor and a carpenter. He loved to preach to family and stranger. He loved his God, his family and his friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Gladys Smith, Addie Lee Turnage, Earl Smith, C.K. Smith, Junior Smith and Jewell Smith; a daughter, Janie Smith; grandson, Jonathan Lee Crosby; and great-grandchildren, Raylan Jaxon Smith and Dustin Howard Crosby.

He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Smith; four sons and daughters-in-law, Edward and Sherry Smith, Ricky and Ruth Smith, David Smith and Randy and Crystal Smith; five daughters and sons-in-law, Darlene Williams, Pamela and Jerry Athey, Patricia Mizell, Nancy Millien Bates and Reba Mizell-Lowe; 29 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends.