James Warren Smith, Sr. was born April 29, 1931 in Jersey City, New Jersey to the late Julius Smith and Harriet Faye Dyson. He was called home from this life to eternal rest on Saturday, December 21, 2019 at home. James was educated in the Jersey City school system and graduated from Dickinson High School. He enlisted into the Airforce during the Korean War and served for 4 years as an air traffic controller stationed in Ludwigsburg, Germany. Upon his honorable discharge, James joined the Jersey City Police Department and became a Police Officer served there for 30 years in various capacities. James was amongst the first black detectives class. James was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Barbara Ann Jordan and from this union there were eight children: Jerry (deceased), Denise, Veronica, James Jr. (deceased), Victor, Lynette, Julia, and Deitria. He especially enjoyed his "babies" his grandchildren and great grandchildren; he was well known amongst them as "Papa" James accepted the Lord, Jesus Christ at an early age. He united with Monumental Baptist Church and served as a Deacon (Chairman), Trustee (Chairman), and Adult Sunday School Teacher. Upon his retirement, he ventured to Kannapolis, North Carolina, where he united with Rose Hill Baptist Church to carry out the work of the Lord until he returned back home to New Jersey. James had many interests, but he enjoyed traveling and vacationing around the globe with his wife. He was committed to his family, serving in church, and the community. James was a leader and touch the lives of everyone he encountered in his 88 years of life. His presences will be truly missed. James is predeceased in death by his wife Barbara Ann, sons Jerry and James Jr., brothers Julius Jr., and Nathan Melvin. He leaves to mourn, 5 daughters - Denise Adams (John) of East Orange, NJ; Veronica of East Orange, NJ; 1 - son, Victor (Ciecila) of Bayonne, NJ; Lynette Sudler (Keith) of Hartly,Delaware; Julia Ann Smith-Dorsey (Barrett) of Parsippany, NJ; and Deitria Smith-Snead (Sean) of Wharton, NJ; 1 sister, Brenda Joyce Jackson, and 3 sister-in-laws, Frances Melvin, Elenore Mixson, and Clarastine Arkbar; one brother-in-law, Gerald Jackson and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a dear best friend (Uncle) Leroy Strickland.