James Dorzal Smitherman-known to the world as JD, Jimmy D, Jay, or simply "Smitherman" - has completed his earthly journey and answered God's call home. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7)

He was born on February 17, 1939, in Montevallo, Alabama, to Virgil and Charity Smitherman. Growing up in a small town, he wore his unique last name with pride— a pride he carried throughout his life and held onto even as his memory began to fade.

JD attended Montevallo Negro High School, later renamed Prentice High School, where he was a star basketball player.

After high school, he joined the United States Army, where he served honorably for over 20 years, his journey stretching from Hawaii to Oklahoma and Illinois, and across the seas to the streets of France, Germany, Korea, and Vietnam.

Back in 1962, what was meant to be just a layover in Montgomery, Alabama became a divine appointment. There, he met Maggie Ruth Jackson-his "Kay"— the love written into his story, and the one he would marry on June 9, 1963.

JD was tall, exceptionally handsome, and full of charm— the kind of man who never met a stranger and could win over any room he walked into. He loved traveling almost as much as he loved telling a good joke. No matter where you met JD, he always had a smile on his face, an encouraging word on his lips, and a joke ready to share.

He was an avid Pinochle card player and dominoes enthusiast—and if he ever beat you, you were going to hear about it.

A decorated Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient, he carried both honor and humility in all that he did.

After serving his country, JD made homes in Hinesville, Georgia; Calvert, Alabama; and Pleasant Grove, Alabama, where he eventually settled. Along the way, he became the ultimate entrepreneur. If there was a business to be run, JD was going to find a way to run it.

He was a Construction Shop Teacher at Bradwell Institute (Hinesville, GA), a landlord, laundromat owner, taxi driver, gas station owner, restaurant owner, and vegetable market boss, proving that you can never have too many businesses-or too many jokes.

When he wasn't building his business ventures, JD worked with his hands as a skilled carpenter, even helping to build churches, including: Baconton Missionary Baptist Church (Allenhurst, GA) and Trinity Baptist Church (Hinesville, GA).

Wherever he lived, JD also dedicated himself to building faith, serving faithfully as a church deacon at: Baconton Missionary Baptist Church (Allenhurst, GA), Trinity Baptist Church (Hinesville, GA), Union Baptist Church (Fairford, AL),

Faith Baptist Church (Montevallo, AL) and settling at New Life Church of God in Christ (Centerpoint, AL).

He was preceded in death by his parents-Virgil and Charity Smitherman. His siblings: Ruthie Mae Smitherman, Charles Smitherman, Warrine Edwards, Virgil "Ed" Smitherman, JoAnn Smitherman, Roy Lewis Smitherman, Pearlie Mae Alexander and Lilly Bell Smitherman. His Foster Brother, Walter Jones, and special niece Diane Coleman..

To forever remember his stories, his jokes and cherish his memories is his beautiful and loving wife of 63 years, Maggie Ruth Smitherman.

His five children: Susan Morrow (Gardena, CA), Terence Smitherman (Jonesboro, GA), Marcus (Telana) Smitherman (Douglasville, GA) Kevin Fowlkes, (Washington, DC,) James Smitherman I| (Birmingham, AL).

His legacy continues through his 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He is also lovingly remembered by three special nieces who faithfully checked on him: Rosalyn & DozellaSmitherman (Montevallo, AL), Jasmine (Toky) Forte(Tuscaloosa, AL) A devoted nephew, Jesse Alexander, who always answered the call to help care for him. Two Sisters-In-Laws Nellie Faye Nelson (Alabaster, Al) and Lois Smitherman (Montevallo, Al.) Along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever remember the legacy, the name, the SMITH-ER-MAN...