James “Pops” Shelton Smith, 82, a beloved resident of Belden, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at North Mississippi Medical Center following a brief illness.
A memorial service celebrating Pops’ life will be held on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in the Memory Chapel of New Albany Funeral and Cremation Care. Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. and continue until the time of service.
Born on June 6, 1944, in Tupelo, Mississippi, Pops was the son of the late James Miron “Pete” Smith and Etoyle Moss Smith. A lifelong farmer and faithful Baptist, he lived a life defined by hard work, humility, and an unwavering love for his family.
Farming wasn’t just Pops’ livelihood—it was his passion. He spent his entire life raising and selling cattle, caring for his land, and taking great pride in the farm, he called home. He found peace in the outdoors, whether he was fishing and running trotlines, riding his horses, or spending long days on his tractor. A true shade-tree mechanic, Pops had a knack for fixing just about anything, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand. Though he enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, nothing brought him greater happiness than being surrounded by the family he loved so deeply.
Those left to cherish his memory include his four devoted sons, James Shelton Smith, Jr. of Ecru, Clifton Miron Smith of Grenada, Travis Wayne Smith of Belden, and Danny Ray Smith (JoAnna) of Blue Springs; his two brothers, Dusty Smith of New Albany and William O. Smith of Belden; his eight cherished grandchildren, Clifton Smith, Jr. (C.J.), Heather Smith, Samantha Smith, Danny Ray Smith, Jr., Brandon Smith, Bridget Ruth, Ashlyn Parsons, and David Parsons; six precious great-grandchildren; and his grand dog, Bella, who’s visits were always welcomed.
In addition to his parents, Pops was preceded in death by his brother, Henry Clay Smith, and his sisters, Faye Chunn and Arlene Jones.
Pops will be remembered for his quiet strength, hardworking spirit, generous heart, and the love he poured into his family. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled, the memories he created, and the lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
