James Edward Smothers of Paragould, passed away Friday, November 26, 2021, at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center.  He was born January 24, 1950, in Monette, Arkansas, to Edward and Geneva Smothers.  He was a 1970 graduate of Oak Grove High School.  He worked 41 years at L.A. Darling.  He raised catfish and cows until he became ill.  He really enjoyed fishing and working with them.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Geneva Smothers and one daughter, Kim Graves.

James is survived by his loving wife, Darnell (Gillean) Smothers; one granddaughter, Mercedes Graves; one son-in-law, Jimmy Graves; one sister, Debbie (Wyatt) Strahm; nieces, Sherry Taylor and Cassie Reimer; and lots of friends.

The family will receive friends 1:00 p.m. until service time Monday, November 29, at Phillips Funeral Home.  The funeral service will begin at 2:30 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home with Chad Robinson officiating.  Burial will follow at Jones Ridge Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Tom Wofford, Jerry Cole, Ben Denton, Jimmy Graves, Homer Gray, and Henry Gillean.