James Milton Smarr

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.

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