Mr. James Harold Smith Sr.

The Life And Legacy Of James Harold Smith Sr.: James Harold Smith, Sr. was born September 10, 1942 in Winston Salem, North Carolina to the late James and Eron Smith. He was the fourth child of his five siblings. Often called “Redbone” in his native city, he was also well known as “Smitty” to his Detroit family and friends. Smitty confessed his love for Christ by being baptized at an early age. He was a member of Rising Ebenezer Baptist Church located in Winston Salem, North Carolina. He remained a member until he moved to Detroit. Smitty was a well-educated man. He graduated from Adkins High School in Winston Salem. He furthered his education earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Winston Salem State College. After graduating from Winston Salem State College, he was offered a position as a teacher for the Detroit Public Schools. During his tenure in Detroit, he earned a Master’s Degree in counseling, a Master’s Degree in Administration and an Education Specialist Degree in Administration and Supervision. Smitty was one of a few selected participants who completed a two-year computer program instituted to create a new department called the Office of Instructional Technology. He also completed all the course requirements except for the dissertation towards his doctoral degree. Smitty worked for the Detroit Public Schools system for 33 years. He taught at Keating Elementary for 4 years and at Stark Elementary for five years. It was at Stark where he began honing his leadership skills as the Curriculum Leader for another five years. He easily moved into the position of Assistant Principal at Cooper Elementary School where he also served as the Principal. He then moved to Bagley Elementary as Principal where he continued to work until his retirement in 1997. In 1975, Smitty married the love of his life, Katie Council. From this blessed union, two children were born, Keisha Louise Smith and James Harold Smith, Jr. Smitty and Katie enjoyed 40 years of marriage. Smitty appreciated life and all it had to offer. He was known to give fabulous New Year’s Eve parties. He loved to play cards and shoot pool. He had a love for learning and displayed this throughout his life. He was an avid reader encompassing a wide range of subjects. You would often find him standing in front of the barbecue grill on the July 4th and Labor Day holidays. When he was not watching a football game or watching one of his favorite sports figures, Tiger Woods; he was watching old westerns. He enjoyed traveling almost as much as he loved reading. As a result of his expertise and educational background, he found a way to pair the two by reading and researching every destination before arrival. He would then create an itinerary to enhance the vacation experience. Listening to Lou Rawls was a favorite pastime he enjoyed. He attended Lou Rawls concerts and owned many of his albums. Out of all of his hobbies, spending time with his family was the most enjoyable. You could often find him talking with his niece, Lisa on the phone, cutting his daughter’s grass, visiting his son and grandchildren in Houston, TX and stealing a quiet moment with his loving wife.

Mr. James Harold Smith Sr.

September 10, 1942 - January 21, 2016