James Ignatius Smith Sr.

James Smith, 86, of Dobbin, passed away on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, in his home surrounded by his loving family. A visitation will begin at 9am, followed by the rosary at 9:30 am, and the Rite of Christian Burial at 10am, Friday, October 23, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Plantersville. Services are officiated by Father Edward C. Kucera Jr., Pastor. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Services are in the care of Nobles Funeral Chapel.

James was born to his parents, John and Dorothy “Dora” Stockert Smith, on January 19, 1940, in Dobbin, Texas. James was married to Ann Hughes on August 1, 1964, in Houston, Texas. Together they had 5 children, 12 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren with one more on the way.

James was an avid outdoorsman. He loved gardening, fishing, hunting, riding the “hoopy” with the grand and great grandchildren. He loved watching Westerns especially John Wayne movies. He loved watching wrestling, football, and baseball. He loved all forms of music, but traditional country music was his favorite. He was a lifelong Catholic and spent many of his years as a parishioner of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Plantersville, Texas.

Preceding James in death are his parents, John and Dorothy “Dora” Smith, of Dobbin; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charles and Mary Hughes, of Houston; his sisters Irene Bolton and Rose Emma “Pinkie” Savoy, brother Marvin Smith, Brothers-in-Law Nathan Savoy, Jubal Bolton, Charles Hughes, Tom Palermo, Pat Williamson, Sisters-in-Law Therese Palermo, Winnie Williamson, Sandra Hughes and Josephine Hughes, grandson Ian Smith, nephew Jared Smith.

James is survived by his beloved wife of sixty-two years, Ann Hughes Smith; their children, James I. Smith, Jr. and wife Jeanie Smith, of Kingwood, Jerome and wife Amy Smith, of Dobbin, Jennifer and husband Gabe Smith, of Sealy, Janette and husband Alex Arellano, of New Caney, Jacquelyn and husband Shaun Tigrett, of Dobbin, and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Honoring his life as Pallbearers are Brandon Smith, Clayton Smith, Michael Arellano, Scotty Savoy, Philip Savoy and Chayse Vandergriff; Honorary Pallbearers are Ty Smith, Benjamin Smith, Matthew Arellano, Timmy Savoy, Robert Williamson and Shane Massingill.