Costner Funeral Home | Gastonia, NC

Obituary For James Milton Smarr

James Milton Smarr was born on February 20, 1949 in Gastonia, NC and departed this life on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at CaroMont Regional Medical Center, Gastonia, NC. He was born to the late J. C. Smarr and Mary Ella Ward Smarr. He was the oldest of his two sisters and brothers.

James graduated from Highland High School where he was the school’s Photographer. He was known for his love for taking pictures. James was employed by Wax Associates for several years, where he was a supervisor. He was employed with several companies; Homelite/John Deere for 20 plus years until their closing, Home Depot, Gaston County Schools, as a Custodian for Robinson Elementary and H.H. Beam Elementary, and Speedwell Machine Company before his passing.

James was a member of St. Peter’s A.M.E. Zion Tabernacle Church for 71 years. He served as Steward and church Photographer. In his earlier years at St. Peter’s, he sung on the choir.

James loved life, photography, traveling and he loved to have fun. He was a jokester. James was even on a bowling team at one point. Amongst other thing, he loved talking cruises, and eating his crab legs and juicy steaks every now and then.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, James Smarr, Jr., and brother, J.C. Smarr, Jr.

James leaves to cherish his love and memories: one daughter; Jennifer Smarr Clark (Gary), of Gastonia, NC, two grandchildren; Quantarius M. Watson, Gary D. Clark, Jr., one great-granddaughter; Tru Watson Minter, former wife and good friend; Linda Smarr, two sisters; Mary Ann Williams (Rufus), Darlene Ford, one brother; Martin Smarr all of Gastonia, NC, three aunts; Gracie Bell Ward, of York, SC, Josephine Broadnax of New York, NY, and Willie Mae Ward of Gastonia, NC, a special cousin; Vern Ward, a close friend; Elvin “Tunk” Nichols, a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Arrangements Are As Follows:

PRIVATE GRAVESIDE SERVICES PLACE: Gaston Memorial Park 1200 South New Hope Road Gastonia, North Carolina 28054

DATE: January 5, 2021

Public viewing will be at the funeral home Monday, January 4, 2021 from 3:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M.

Guest Book

May your memories live forever within your hearts and bring comfort, peace, joy and laughter. May God bless you all, Lisa Michelle Simpson.

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To the Smarr Family. James Smarr was a very dedicated worker in Church. He is now ushering at the Gates of Heaven. You have my sincere condolences.

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To our childhood neighbor and friend, former co-worker..You were friendly and funny, but always have words of encouragement. Sending prayers to the family. Leon, Ricky, & Ellen Burris and family..Sweet Rest our Brother In Christ and Friend

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OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH THE SMARR FAMILY GOD BLESS YOU THOMAS AND SELINA DAVIE

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To the Family of Mr. James Smarr: You have our deepest sympathies. I remember Mr. Smarr as a loving father & grandfather. Not only did he encourage Jennifer & James Jr,his grandchildren he also worked with the Youth in church and encouraged us to be the best Ushers we could. To lead as well as follow. RIP Mr. Smarr

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In memory of my dear friend Rest in Heaven

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I have never met a finer man

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Costner Funeral Home | Gastonia, NC