James (Jj) Edward Smith Jr.

James Edward Smith, Jr. was born on April 9, 1960 to the union of the late Patricia Alford Smith and James Edward Smith, Sr. in Nashville, TN. He swiftly transitioned to his heavenly home on April 10, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, his maternal grandmother, Margaret Katherine Alford, and his son, Mathias Smith.


James accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Personal Savior at an early age and was baptized at the Olivet Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Reverend John Thomas Easley. He received his formal education in the Metro Nashville Public Schools system and was a proud graduate of the Pearl High School Class of 1978, where he was a member of the football and basketball team. After graduating high school, he joined the United States Army where he served for twelve years. After his Honorable Discharge, ‘JJ’ returned home to Nashville, TN.


Known affectionately by many as ‘JJ’, James worked many jobs but had a love for selling concessions at the Titans game, the Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade, and other events. ‘JJ’ truly SERVED his community. He served as a mentor and coach to several young men in the North Nashville community. He loved playing cards at Hadley Park Community Center with the senior citizens. To know ‘JJ’ was to love him! ‘JJ’ was no stranger! He was loved by all! ‘Mr. Cool J’/’Coach J’ was a lovable people’s person who was always a jokester. His famous saying was ‘Watch your mouth, save your teeth!’


‘JJ’ leaves to cherish his memory: wife, Diana Smith of Nashville, TN; children, Shontell Williams, DeLando (Quanasa) Smith, Joshua Smith, James Smith, III, and Thomas Smith; Tiffany Haynes, Jeremiah Haynes, Janephia Haynes, all of Nashville, TN; a host of grandchildren; siblings, Renita Renee (John) Lewis of Richmond, VA, Cornelius E. Smith , Donna F. Moore and Tony Fisher all of Nashville, TN; aunt, Marilyn Y. Alford of Nashville, TN; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Special friends – Ms. Lillian Williams, Mr. Kelvin Beck, and Mr. Kerry Donaldson.