James Morgan Smith

Known fondly to friends and family as Jim or Jimmy, James Morgan Smith passed away on May 2, 2026, at the age of 73. He was born on February 7, 1953, in Meridian, Mississippi, to [mother's name] and [father's name]. James was the second child born to his mother and grew up with two younger step-siblings.

Over the years, James lived in many places, including Germany, New Mexico, Louisiana, Tennessee, and finally Texas. He attended East High School in Memphis, Tennessee, and in 1964 played football with the PeeWee Yanks. Later, he studied Math and Biology at Memphis State University from 1976 to 1977, earning an associate degree.

On July 2, 1980, James enrolled in the Divers Training Academy in Florida, receiving his diploma and certification on September 23, 1980. He then worked as a tender/diver at Salvage in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, from 1980 to 1982. It was a job few would dare to do-diving sometimes twelve feet underwater to complete his mission-but he loved it. In his own words, he didn't run from fear; he ran toward it.

After his diving years, James became a manager and bartender at Pier Restaurant in Memphis, Tennessee. He later moved to South Austin, Texas, to continue working in restaurant management, and then relocated again to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, still in the restaurant industry.

In 2006, James took a job at U.S. Underwater Services on the Commercial Dive Team in Mansfield, Texas, where he served for ten years, until 2016. Following that chapter, he became a truck driver, a role he held from 2016 until 2026.

Beyond his work, James trained as a pilot in Addison, Texas, and loved flying planes. He was an active member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. He also shared a deep bond with his dog, Stoli, whom he treasured. In a final gesture of loyalty, he chose to have Stoli's ashes buried with him.

James is survived by his beloved wife, Beatrice, whom he married on November 18, 2016; his children, Mande, Misty, Chigwe, Marquleta, Mulanda, Grace, and Mude Sibanyama; his brother, Thomas Lowenthal; and his nieces, Lauren and Alexis Lowenthal.