Obituaries

James Lavon Smith

9/19/1977 - 3/5/2026

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Obituary For James Lavon Smith

James Lavon Smith, 48, of Brandon, Florida, passed away on March 5, 2026. He was born in Lewiston, New York, and was the eldest of four boys.

James attended college and proudly served his country as a United States Marine. He was known for his sharp mind and his sense of humor. He loved playing PlayStation and intellectual games like Scrabble, and he enjoyed relaxing with a drink while watching some of his favorite films, especially The Last Dragon and Purple Rain. James had a natural comedic spirit and loved making people laugh.

Those who knew James understood that he could be stubborn at times, but he had a good heart. His personality, humor, and presence left a lasting impression on everyone around him. As a child, one of the many stories that family remembers fondly is how he would sneak out of the house—only to get caught every single time. It became one of those memories that always brought laughter when his childhood was talked about.

James is survived by his loving mother, Wanda L. Smith, and his father, Clinton L. Smith of Cleveland, Ohio. He is also survived by his brothers: Clinton Smith III of Niagara Falls, New York; King (Tameka) Smith of Delaware, Ohio; and Terrell (Ann) Smith of Cleveland, Ohio.

He leaves behind his beloved children: La’Vonna Smith of Cleveland, Ohio; Jazmin Thompson of Euclid, Ohio; Vonn’Asia Smith of Tampa, Florida; and James La’Von Smith of Brandon, Florida. He was also the proud grandfather of four grandchildren: Jaiden Thompson, Aubrey Fletcher, Zaire Lavonn Houchins, and Egypt Hall.

James was preceded in death by his grandparents Elua Powell and Eddie Page, Clinton Sr. and Mary Smith, and his son, Javon Smith.

To know James was to love him. His humor, his stubborn determination, and the love he had for his family will never be forgotten. As one of his favorite lines from The Last Dragon goes, “Catches bullets with his teeth!?. N please!”

James’s memory will live on in the hearts of his family and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

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  • 03/17/2026

    Susan

    We had a lovd like no other

  • 03/12/2026

    Quishonda Shoemake

    We definitely have shared some memories ...I pray u are now at peace ❤️ I pray the bond your children have created continues ...my last words to u .. Vonn'Asia & Papi will be straight !!! I meant that ..watch over my babies 4 ever 🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽

  • 03/10/2026

    Tracy Wilson-Johnson

    Wishing fair well to my first best friend.... may his children and loved ones find peace that he is no longer suffering... sending love and hugs all the way to heaven!

  • 03/10/2026

    Tressa Wilson

    True love never dies, I love this man very much! He was my first son, He always made me smile. He had the best stories. I can't wait to see him again! He was my scrabble partner ( I always won ) 🫶🏽 he will be missed! My condolences to the family.

  • 03/10/2026

    Tanya Ellis

    I will for ever and always love him!!!!! He thought me to drive. He got me out lots of trouble. And he loved me like every big brother should love a little sister!!! For ever and always my big brother