James Anthony Smith

james smith

May 28, 1955 ~ March 20, 2026

Born in: Levittown, PA
Resided in: Asheville, NC

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James Anthony Smith, 70 of Asheville, NC passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026. He was born in Pennsylvania to Ralph Smith, Sr. and Catherine Yerkes Smith who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by two brothers; Tim Smith and Ralph Smith, Jr. and a sister; Janice Smith Popp.

He is survived by two daughters, Allyson Smith and Emily Smith; two brothers; Bernard Smith and Brian Smith and three sisters; Kathleen Miller-Caldwell, Rosanne Freeman and Dawn Smith.

He worked as an electrician for many years.

He has been sober for 41 years and a faithful member of Alcoholics Anonymous for that time. They were really his community, he was a pillar of it and his friend circles were mostly in that group. He mentored a lot of people in AA and was loved by so many. He was a kind and loving man who helped a lot of people.

He will be missed by his family and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 18 at Riceville Valley Community Church.

Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road is assisting the family.

Services

Memorial Service: April 18, 2026 2:00 pm

Riceville Valley Community Church
2342 Riceville Road
Asheville, NC 28805

Add to My Calendar America/New_York 2026-04-18 14:00:00 2026-04-18 14:00:00 JamesAnthonySmithMemorial Service Memorial Service 2342 Riceville Road,Asheville, NC 28805

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Funeral Home Assisting The Family:

Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road
856 Tunnel Rd.
Asheville, NC 28805
(828)299-4416
http://grocefuneralhome.com

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  2. A kind soul. I liked jim so much i set h up on a date with a friend years ago. Lost touch . Rip jim

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  5. I havenā€™t seen my cousin Jim in many years but I will always remember him as a kind and thoughtful person. We had fun as kids when my family visited Jim and his brothers and sisters but as we grew older I got a chance to see that thoughtful side of him in our conversations about life. I would have loved to had more of those conversations but our lives grew apart. Thankful for the time we spent together and I hope you rest in peace Jim!

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  7. Jim was one of the first persons who totally opened his heart and welcomed me every time we met. He was like a big brother. I am sure many others in our shared community will miss him. My prayers and heart go out to those family members and friends who are left behind. He was a source of comfort, friendship, and guidance to many. šŸ©·

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  10. Jim was a constant for so many. His warmth and generosity will always be with me and so many in the rooms. Such a beautiful man, full of surprises! You made us better men.

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  11. Mr. Jim Smith was a faithful member of AA. We are the same age and it has been a pleasure to hear stories from a man with a warm & wry wit. He was always ready for a smile. I believe Jim and I enjoyed having a place where we could give and receive: experience, strength and hope. His words many times demonstrated his passage through hardships. My favorite quote of Jimā€™s was about having strong disagreements with another person, sometimes referred to as mudslinging. He said, ā€œItā€™s best to let the mud dry before trying to clean up the messā€. Iā€™ll miss my friend.

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  12. Jim was not only a good friend of mine but also my wife who knew Jim as a member of Alanon. We both will miss him dearly and will always remember his kindly and gentle nature.

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  13. Jim was a friend and a really gentle and kind person. He never had a harsh word for anyone. He was a great example of a sober life well lived. He will be missed.

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  15. Jim was a dear friend who willingly opened his heart to share with those who needed to hear that hope is available. His words of wisdom, earned by his personal struggles, always helped me and others . He is deeply missed . My sympathy to his daughters, he loved you both.

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  17. Jim was my friend and next door neighbor for the last 6 years. You couldnā€™t ask for a better neighbor. Iā€™ll miss my buddy. šŸ˜¢

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  18. I met Jim when I went to an AA meeting at 2 weeks sober on a Friday evening. I was struggling to not take a drink. He and a few other fellows talked to me for an hour about their lives and their struggles and how they stayed sober. I will never forget that day. Every time I saw Jim at a meeting after that, he checked in and congratulated me on my progress. Jim, I am forever grateful for your wisdom and kindness and care. I have 11 months today. Thank you for helping me stay sober, one day at a time.

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  19. Jim was all heart! He reminded me of a sweet loving golden retriever who just embraced you with unconditional affection and kindness. It was so refreshing to see someone who over came his own ghosts and adversity and let his true loving spirit shine! JIm, you are missed but will be well remembered!

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