James Allen Smith

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home in Opelousas from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. A Funeral Service will follow with Mr. Benny Vaughan officiating. A private graveside service will be held at a later time.

James Allen “Jim” Smith was born on July 23, 1945, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, to James Millard Smith and Lois Taylor Smith and passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2025. During his teenage years, he moved with his family to Blanchard, Louisiana, where he lived until his retirement. While in Blanchard, Jim developed lifelong friendships with Cliff Wixon, Emery Lowe, Randall Jennings, and David Bell—men who remained important to him, even as time and distance later separated them.

Jim graduated from Fair Park High School in Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1963. After graduation, he began work as a welder with Beard Manufacturing. He later enlisted in the U.S. Navy, following in the footsteps of his older brother. When his father became gravely ill, Jim returned home to care for his family. He was subsequently drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam as a mechanic. Like many veterans of his generation, he returned home carrying the burdens of war. Through the Vietnam Veterans of America, Jim found vital resources, fellowship, and a strong sense of community that helped him rebuild his life.

Around 1969, Jim met Etta Gwynne Shively—known to many as Gwynne—at The Cub, a popular Shreveport gathering spot. Their friendship turned into courtship, and after several years, they married. Jim proudly adopted Gwynne’s son, Scott, and embraced fatherhood with steady devotion. Scott, along with his wife Rachel and their sons Hadley and Jack, have always taken deep pride in this act of commitment and love that defined Jim’s character.

Following his father’s advice, Jim pursued a career in carpentry. With the help of union training and night school, he became a master carpenter. Over four decades, he worked with several well-regarded firms, including Don Coleman Construction, John Coleman Construction, and most notably Ben Vaughan Construction. At Ben Vaughan Construction, Jim found not only mentorship but a second family in Ben, Betty, and Bennie Vaughan. The company played a lead role in the development of the Willow Ridge Lakeside Community in Shreveport, and Jim’s skilled carpentry was central to bringing that vision to life. He retired from the company in 2010.

In his 30s, Jim became involved with the 4X4 Roughriders, a club dedicated to recreational four-wheel-drive use and civic service. He served on the Board of Directors and as Vice President, enjoying both the camaraderie and shared mission of giving back.

Upon retirement, Jim moved to Sunset, Louisiana, to be near his son and to enjoy watching his grandsons grow up. Though not originally from the area, he was warmly welcomed into the Sunset community. He became a regular volunteer with the Seniors Helping Seniors program and served on the Sunset Planning Commission, contributing his time and skills to the area’s continued development.

In 2023, Jim was honored with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award for his selfless volunteer work. This recognition reflected the deep respect he had earned through years of humble service and quiet generosity.

Jim was especially proud to be a grandfather. His grandson Hadley Smith teaches English at Teurlings Catholic High School, and his grandson Jack Smith is in a PhD program at the University of Tennessee in inorganic chemistry. Watching them mature into thoughtful, accomplished young men brought Jim tremendous pride and joy.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James Millard Smith and Lois Taylor Smith; his brothers and their spouses: John Millard Smith and Hannah Ala Smith; Daniel Ellis Smith and Mary Stratham Smith; and Morris Smith. He was also preceded in death by his nephew Brian Smith and sister-in-law Kai Shively Maroof.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Etta Gwynne Shively Smith; his son, Theodore Scott Smith, and daughter-in-law Rachel Crowell Smith, of Arnaudville, Louisiana; and his grandsons, Hadley Smith of Lafayette and Jack Smith of Knoxville, Tennessee. He is also survived by his nephew Owen Smith and niece Whitley Smith, both of Little Rock, Arkansas, and their mother Sarah Smith. Jim is fondly remembered by his niece Kristen Watts and her husband John of Shreveport, Louisiana, their sons Hayden Watts of Dallas, Texas, and Jake Watts of New Orleans, Louisiana and his aunts, Juanita Davison and Marlene Taylor of Malvern, Arkansas.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Jamie Collins and staff, the Opelousas General Hospital, Acadiana Ambulance, the Sunset Police Department, and the Sunset Volunteer Fire Department. Dr. Collins and his team went above and beyond in their professionalism and compassion, and Jim was deeply appreciative of the care he received.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Seniors Helping Seniors of Sunset, Louisiana or to the St. Peter Claver Knights of Columbus Building Fund.

“A carpenter’s life is not written in words, but in the homes, hands, and hearts he helped build.”

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.

Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, (337) 942-2638, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.