James "Smitty" Smith, Jr.

“Think of me with the rising of the sun, the warm breeze embracing you, the playful way the leaves fly in the air, the quiet whispers of comfort. Think of me with each bite of your favorite sweet treat, with each big fish you catch and with each memory you make. For I am closer than you think, I am right beside you. Always, I will be.” 

August 24, 2024, James Smitty Smith, 69 of Broussard, La passed away peacefully at the Calcutta House with his family at his side as he went from their arms of love to the arms of Jesus after a battle with Lewy Body Dementia. 

James and Carleen married on December 6, 1975 in New Iberia at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and the rest is history. They were soulmates who were always together and who’s love was so evident in their holding hands and taking care of each other which grew stronger even after 49 years of marriage. A true testament to unconditional love. James & Carleen had one daughter who was the center of their lives, Shawntel. Poppa was at every dance recital running the sound equipment, cheering Shawntel on at every singing competition, and was never too busy for a good prank or two. James then gained a son in law, who became his fishing buddy, house fixer upper partner and son, Dusty and later had the best title of Gramps bestowed upon him with the birth of his grandchild, Annalyse. Perhaps, Gramp’s favorite piece of clothing was his Gramp’s hat that he proudly wore which gave him full bragging rights on his girls, who were the center of his world. 

James was from Woodville, Texas and came to New Iberia as a welder where he met the love of his life, a little Cajun girl, Carleen and never left his Louisiana girl or the town of New Iberia. He then worked at Tenneco as company man and later entered the oilfield sales industry as an excellent salesman. He traveled extensively and made wonderful memories working in Scotland, which he was able to share with his family. 

Our Gramp’s loved fishing and perhaps some of his favorite days were spent on the water with his fishing buddies, Vic Segura, Frank French and Paul Kesseler. He also loved working on stained glass and completed many beautiful pieces for local homes and restaurants. Most recently, his greatest hobby was being the best Gramps to his granddaughter, Annalyse whether it was seeing who could swing the highest, getting his nails painted by Annalyse, singing his favorite song “You Ain’t Nothing But A Hound Dog,” or who could eat the most ice cream sundaes. His love for Annalyse, his Sweetpea Shawntel, and his forever bride Carleen will always be remembered as he was the best husband, Poppa Bear and Gramps. 

James was also very active in the community as a long time board member of the Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival and coordinator of the festival parades, Santa Claus at the local nursing homes and Texas Children’s Hospital, leader of the Mayor’s Youth Group, and a Eucharistic Minister at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church

Greeting James at the Gates of Heaven were his father, James Charles Smith Sr, and his mother Thelma Wilson Smith; his baby sister Marie Smith; his in laws Irving Derouen and Betty Broussard Derouen. 

Cherishing and holding close his memory is his wife and soulmate of 49 years, Carleen Derouen Smith; His daughter Shawntel Smith Moore and husband Dusty and their daughter Annalyse Marie; Kelly Poirier (Brent, Mia, & Jake) who he loved like his daughter; His sister Lois Smith Cartwright and her husband Wayne; Godchild Mary Abshire; and Dusty's parents; Kevin, & Yvette Moore.

Services for our Gramps will be held at Pellerin’s Funeral Home in New Iberia, Louisiana on Friday August 30th with visitation beginning at 11am, followed by the rosary led by the Men’s Rosary Group at 1pm and a celebration of life service at 3pm with music provided by long time family friend, Wess Robison.

We would like to thank the compassionate care provided by Hospice of Acadiana and the Calcutta House. We would like to personally thank Katie Cormier RN, Rachel CNA, Sheena Domingue CNA, Erin Jolet RN, Randi McCormick RN, & Tyler Robicheaux. 

We would also like to thank Dr Carl Ditch and Dr. Oliver Achi for their compassionate care over the years as well as Keith & Mandy Landry.We hope you remember our Gramps/Poppa/Hubby as having the kindest teddy bear heart and always able to put a smile on everyone’s face with his jokes and light hearted spirit. He left everyone he met better than before they knew him and had a true gift of making others feel valued and warmly loved. For those who live in faith, we know this is not a goodbye, but a see you later where we will share hugs, laughs, honeybuns, peppermint puffs and ice cream and we will one day be all together forever in the beauty of heaven

Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace, New Iberia, LA 70560 (337.365.3331)