James Arthur Smith

James Arthur Smith passed away at McLeod Seacoast Hospital in Little River, South Carolina on August 31, 2026.

James "Peanut'' Smith was born in Clinton, the son of the Late Broadus Edwin and Annie Simmons Smith on June 5, 1939.

James graduated from Clinton High School and the University of Central Florida with a BA in Accounting. He retired from the US Postal Service in 1992 as Assistant Postmaster, Titusville, Florida.

He served four years in the US Navy and was a 32nd Degree Mason.

James was a member of Broad United Methodist Church and Assistant member of Seaside United Methodist Church in Sunset Beach, NC.

James is survived by his wife of 54 years, Margaret "Markie" Irwin Smith; four sons, Jeff (Paige) Peoples of Hanceville, AL, Rocky (Sherry) Nelson of Summerville, SC, Tim (Stacey) Nelson of Cummins, GA, and Mark (Jennifer) Peoples of Clinton, SC. and his nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 11:00AM at Broad Street United Methodist Church with Dr. Craig Vondergeest and Rev. Jeanie Swanson officiating. Special music will be provided by Jeramy Oropeza.

The family will greet friends following the service in Hodges Hall. 

A Private Burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Broad Street United Methodist Church, 310 North Broad Street, Clinton, SC 29325.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online by visiting www.grayfuneralhome.com.

Gray Funeral Home of Clinton is assisting the Smith family with services.