James Randall Smith

James Randall Smith, 74, of Paris, passed away on Monday, July 6, 2026 at Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital in Columbia.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026, at Pickering Funeral Home with Pastor Kevin Wilkerson officiating. Burial will follow at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, Missouri, with full military honors.

Visitation will be on Monday, July 13, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the service time at the funeral home.

James was born on August 23, 1951 in Fresno, California, the son of Riley and Edith (Welch) Smith. On July 11, 1969 in Reno, Nevada, he married Jessie May Cari, who survives.

James proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from February 18, 1971 until December 7, 1973. After his military service, he spent 17 years as a truck driver in the commercial trucking industry, where he was known as a hardworking and dependable man. James was a Pentecostal and carried his faith with him throughout his life. In his free time, James enjoyed the things that brought him the most happiness. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, loved spending time bowling or around a poker table with family and friends, and always enjoyed working with his hands. Whether he was woodworking, fixing something, or building something from scratch, he took pride in doing it well. James will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love of the outdoors, and the time he shared with the people who meant the most to him.

Survivors include his wife, Jessie “Cookie” Smith of Paris; two sons, Patrick Riley Smith of Paris and Kevin Lee Smith of Monroe City; six grandchildren, Kevin Lee Smith II of Monroe City, Devin William Smith of Columbia, Misty Ann Kemper of St. Louis, Christina Rose Crystle of Hannibal, Patrick Riley Smith Jr. of Columbia, and James Lawrence Smith of Monroe City; and two great grandchildren, Ethan Kemper and Bryden Kemper.

James was preceded in death by his parents; and daughter-in-law, Laurie Taylor