James Howard Smith, 75, of Kansas City, Missouri, died July 16, at Kansas City Hospice.

Family will receive friends Friday 6-8 p.m. July 20, at Joys Bells Ministries, 2100 East 31st Street, Kansas City, Missouri.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, July 21, at Joy Bells Ministries.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. following the funeral services.

James was born in Kansas City on Feb. 7, 1943, to Edwin Smith and Edith (McCarty) Smith. James graduated from Butler High School in 1961. James moved to Kansas City right after high school and worked for the Kansas City school district as bus driver for many years. James married Esther (Skaggs) June 4, 2005, and spent the last 13 years together.

James is survived by his wife, Esther Smith of the home; two sons, Daniel D. Smith and wife Marla, Texas. Travis Smith, Kansas City; three daughters, Annette Elaine Graham and husband Donald, Harrisonville, Missouri; Debra Taylor and husband Michael, Independence, Missouri; and Lorrane Grant, who preceded him in death Dec. 2017; thirteen Grandchildren and Five Great Grandchildren.

Memorial contributions can be made to the family in care of the funeral home.

Arrangements entrusted to Ben Cast & Son-Wood Funeral Home, 407 South Pine Holden,
Missouri, 64040.