Honoring the Life and Legacy of James “Jim” Smith
James “Jim” Smith was born on June 3, 1944, in Madison Parish near Delhi, Louisiana, to Charlie M. and Belle Gardner Smith. The fifth of twelve children, Jim grew up surrounded by the warmth and closeness of a large family rooted in faith, hard work, and community.
He attended Esther Tombs School, where his playful, energetic spirit and love for sports radiated brightly. When not helping his family in the cotton fields and around the farm, Jim could be found laughing and teasing his siblings, building the joyful bonds that defined his early years.
After high school, Jim’s father encouraged him to pursue higher education at Southern University, making him the first of his siblings to attend college. Jim proudly followed that path and studied diligently until being drafted into the United States Army.
Sergeant James Smith served honorably in the U.S. Army, training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, and completing a tour in Vietnam. He earned multiple commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Following his honorable discharge in 1971, Jim married the love of his life, Claudyia, also a Southern alumni, and together they built a beautiful family that became his greatest joy. They raised two daughters—Candra and Jaterica—instilling in them the same values that guided his life: faith, humility, perseverance, and a deep belief in the power of education and giving back to the community. Jim often reminded his daughters that knowledge was both a gift and a responsibility—to learn, serve, and lift others along the way. Dr. Candra Loftis, a proud Southern University graduate, went on to earn her master’s and doctoral degrees. Jaterica Smith, a graduate of UC Riverside, also earned her master’s degree —living examples of their father’s legacy of learning.
Jim went on to serve his community through a 38-year career with the United States Postal Service. His mentorship of his younger siblings, nieces, nephews, neighborhood kids, and adopted sons and daughters helped encourage them to seek higher education and pursue their dreams. His friendly spirit, reliability, and humor made him a beloved figure in his family, neighborhood and beyond.
He passed away on October 4, 2025, at the age of 81. Jim’s legacy of love, service, education, and generosity continues through his family and the scholarship fund established in his honor to support future Southern University students in pursuit of their unalienable rights, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.