James Wiley Smith, Sr., 62, of Charlotte, passed away on Friday, October 4, 2024.

James Wiley Smith, Sr. went home to be with the Lord on Friday, October 4, 2024.  He was born on January 17, 1962, in Charlotte, North Carolina, to Lizzie Sanders Smith and the late John Thomas Smith.

James was preceded in death by his father, John Thomas Smith; son, James Wiley Smith, Jr.; brothers; Roosevelt McClure, Jr., Charles Smith, Sr.; and sisters, Wendy McClure and Babbie McClure.

James received his formal education in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, graduating from Olympic High School with the Class of 1980. He went on to further his education at Hamilton College. James was a US Army veteran and a member of the Paul Drayton Masonic Lodge No. 7.

At an early age James joined the O'Zion A.M.E. Zion Church where he remained a faithful member supporting the church even during his time of illness. At O'Zion, James carried out the duties of Church Treasurer, Class Leader, Christian Education Director of Youth, member of the Steward Board, Trustee Board, Budget Committee and Men's Choir. James also served as the church's audio/video technician.

James was employed by Sonic Automotive for over 40 years in various capacities, his last position being that of an Executive Assistant. For James, the last name Smith didn't end with his immediate family members but reached out to include and embrace the entire Smith family at Sonic Automotive.  He always held a special place in his heart for his extended family and held them dear because they were family!  James was a people person, a giver who loved to serve others.  Service to his family, friends, and even strangers were his greatest joys.

He was the biological father of four children but helped to raise many of his nieces, nephews and cousins.  A large part of James' life was devoted to NASCAR.  He was a loyal supporter and loved the sport of racing, so much so, that he amassed an extensive collection of die-cast models (over 2,000) and built model cars and trucks. He also enjoyed listening to all types of music.

James leaves to cherish fond memories his wife of 43 years, Martha Simmons Smith; daughters, Tamisha Ajose (Jonathan) of Statesville, NC, Chambrelle Caldwell (Brandon) and son, Joshua Smith of Austin Texas; granddaughters, Brooklyn Ajose, London Ajose, and grandson, Kameron Johnson; mother, Lizzie Sanders Smith and sisters, Johnnie Mae Smith of Hampton, VA, and Asia Watts of Charlotte, NC; brothers, Danny Sanders of Charlotte, NC and Robert McClure of Chester, SC, sisters-in-law, Roxie Bradshaw (Fred), Peggy Samuels (David); Brenda Simmons, Wendy Simmons (Ron), Paulette Simmons and brother-in-law, Bruce Simmons; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.