James Benjamin Smith Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of James Benjamin Smith (Buckhannon, West Virginia), who passed away on February 21, 2026, at the age of 79, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.

He was predeceased by: his parents, Elbert Austin and Virginia Gladys Moore Smith; his siblings, Richard, Kenneth, Davey Smith, Mary Debarr and Sue Norman; and his sister-in-law Elsie Smith.

He is survived by: his wife Gaila Bender Smith; his children, Michael James Smith, Kristy Boylen (Nicholas) of Buckhannon, Joshua Smith (Kimberly) and Elissa Smith; his stepchildren, Mindy Holguin (Dylan Smith) of Buckhannon, Jason Hull of French Creek, WV, Jennifer Snodgrass (Cliff) of Flatwoods, WV and Danielle Egress (Jimmy) of French Creek; his grandchildren, Aaron Boyles (Jasmine), Alexis Bumgardner, Autumn Drake, Justice Courtney, Bryson Eby, Braedon Smith, Easton Gregory, Alliyah Boylen, Brett Boylen, Layleh Frame, Jaxton Smith, Jase Hull and Braxton Egress; his great grandchildren, Mason Wilfong, Hinley Wilfong, Brooklyn Osborne, Madison Boyles and Violet Boyles; his siblings, Paul Smith of Buckhannon, Leonard Smith (Dorthy) of Utica, OH, Roger Smith (Connie) of Huntington, WV, Tim Smith (Christine) of Buckhannon, Tom Smith (Brenda) of Buckhannon, Daniel Smith (Michelle) of Dayton, TN, Deloris Bedell (Denny) of San Antonio, TX, Melinda Kay Sanders (Tim) of Kanawha Head, WV and Lisa Whaley (Brian) of Alliance, OH; and his brother-in-law Jimmy Norman of Buckhannon. He is also survived by nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the funeral home to help with funeral expenses.