James Harold Smith, age 88, of Spindale, NC, passed away Sunday, March 6, 2022, at Western North Carolina Baptist Home in Asheville, NC.

He was the son of the late Fred and Beatrice Smith, and he was a native of Rutherford County. James was a U S Navy veteran.   James was the widower of the late Doris Nix Smith. He was a member of Spindale Masonic Lodge #673, and an avid golfer. His favorite thing to do was to watch his grandsons playing their sports games. James was a member of Spencer Baptist Church in Spindale, NC.

He is survived by one daughter, Cynthia Smith Watson, and her husband Steve of Asheville, NC, one brother, Boyce Smith of California, three grandsons, Jay Watson, Wil Watson, and Grant Watson, and one great-granddaughter, Emery James Watson.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Sunday, March 13, 2022, at Spencer Baptist Church in the family life center. The funeral service will be at Spencer Baptist Church at 2:00PM, Sunday March 13, 2022, with Reverend Dr. Bruce Caldwell officiating. The committal service will be at Eternal Hills Memorial Park at 1:00 PM, Monday, March 14, 2022 with Masonic Funeral Rites, all are welcome to attend.  Memorials may be made to Western NC Baptist Home; Attn.; Karen Jetty; 213 Richmond Hill Drive; Asheville, NC 28806 or Spencer Baptist Church; 187 North Oak Street; Spindale, NC 28160 or Western Star Masonic Lodge #91; 116 Harris Street; Rutherfordton, NC 28139.  Online guest register is available at www.mcmahansfuneralhome.com. McMahan's Funeral Home & Cremation Services in charge of arrangements.