James Raymond Smith, 69, of LaMoille, passed away February 22, 2021 in his home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Arlington with Father Patrick Fixsen officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday February 26, 2021 from 4-7 p.m. at the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota. Additional visitation will be held one hour prior to the Mass at church. Mask wearing is required.

James was born August 13, 1951 in Spring Valley to Francis and Mary Jane (Neidatcher) Smith. He married Cecelia Cassidy August 14, 1971 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church.

James was a 1969 graduate of LaMoille High School. He was a carpenter and a member of Carpenters Local #174. He worked for Ladd Construction. He was manager of Casino Bingo and owner of Jack Pot Bingo both in Peru. He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, LaMoille Lions Club and Mendota Knights of Columbus. He was a LaMoille Boy Scouts Leader and LaMoille Little League coach. He was a Melvin Jones Fellow award winner for humanitarian service from Lion's Club International and was a former Grand Marshal of the Buffalo Days Parade.

He is survived by his wife Cecelia of LaMoille; two sons Nathan (Amber Heider) Smith and Toby (Mirella Correa) Smith both of LaSalle; sisters Jo Alyce Hewitt and Tammy (Mark) Manijack; brothers Bruce Smith, Mark (Julie) Smith and Tom Smith; brother in law Mike Cassidy and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Dianne Smith, father and mother in law Michael and Loretta Cassidy, brother in laws Tommy Hewitt, Eddie and Brian Cassidy and sister in law Jo Ann Cassidy.

Pallbearers will be Mike and Brian Hewitt, Paul, Dustin and Logan Smith and Todd Dannis.

Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children's Hospital or the LaMoille Lions Club.