James P. (Jim) Smith, age 71, Gaston, died Monday morning at Ascension St. Vincent Regional Hospital, Anderson, following a battle with cancer. Born in Muncie on August 12, 1955, Jim was a graduate of Muncie Northside High School and a resident of Gaston for the past 30 years. He was a locksmith for the Department of Corrections where he worked for 30 years before retiring in 2019. He also farmed in Madison County for 10 years and worked at Marhoeffer Packing Company where he met his wife, Teresa.

Jim was a Past Master of Middletown and Matthews Masonic Lodges. He was a lifetime deer hunter and enjoyed gardening, beekeeping, and reading. He also was a Raintree woodcarver and a member of the D.O.C.’s Pistol Team for many years where he won numerous awards.

Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Teresa Smith; sons: Joshua Smith, Gaston, and Thomas Smith (wife: Whitney), Muncie; daughter: Meggan Metz (husband: Charles), Austin, IN; grandchildren: Samantha Smith, Cassandra Smith, Gabriel Smith, Henry Smith, Charlotte Metz, Savannah Metz, and one more on the way. Also surviving are brothers: Steve Smith (wife: Barbara), Greenfield, and Tom Smith (wife: Millie, deceased), Avilla; sister: Jane Spence (husband: Tom, deceased), New Castle; sister-in-law: Toni White, Gulfport, MS; a niece and 4 nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father: Robert M. (Bob) Smith and mother: Rosemary J. Smith.

A celebration of Jim’s life will include a time of visiting for family and friends on Saturday October 17, 2026 from 2 until 5 p.m. at Meacham Funeral Service. In accordance with Jim’s wishes, cremation was chosen.