James Robert Smith Jr.

James "Jim" Smith

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Coach, and Friend

James (Jim) Robert Smith Jr. 83 of Charleston, SC passed away on Monday April 14, 2025.

Jim was born on November 9, 1941 in Memphis, Tennessee. He was the son of the late Eunice Steward Goddard and James E. Goddard.

Jim began his lifelong career with the United States Postal Service at the age of 19 as a mail carrier in Arlington, Virginia. Over the next 35 years, his dedication and leadership took him across the southeastern United States, including a significant tenure in Houston, Texas.

Throughout his career, Jim specialized in customer service and marketing, making lasting contributions to the Postal Service's relationship with the public. Jim's work ethic, integrity, and loyalty left a lasting impression on all who worked with him.

Jim was deeply involved in his community, volunteering countless hours coaching youth sports. He coached boys' baseball, girls' basketball and softball teams, and took particular pride in coaching all of his children. His mentorship and encouragement shaped many young athletes and brought joy to families across his community.

An avid sportsman, Jim had a deep love for golf and enjoyed the thrill of horse racing and sports betting. He was incredibly knowledgeable about sports and had a curious mind that loved learning-especially about history, sports, and whatever his kids were interested in. He truly showed up for the people he loved.

Jim was a devoted family man - a caring father, and a doting husband. He cherished his family above all else. He adored his wife and spoiled her in such a thoughtful and consistent way, he made the rest of us look bad (and we loved him for it). His kindness, humor, and generous heart touched everyone he met.

Jim's life was marked by dedication, compassion, humor, and unwavering love for his family and community. He will be missed beyond words and remembered with deep affection by all who had the joy of knowing him.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Tim, and his wife Leanne Smith and his grandson David Angotti-Smith.

He is survived by his wife Diane of 62 years, and his four children: Kelley Smith, Kimberley (Smith) Buck, Kevin Smith and his wife Mary Ann, Brent Smith and his wife Laura.

He is also survived by his siblings: Jack Goddard and his wife Deborah Kitchens, Bill Goddard and his wife Cherry, Steve Goddard and his wife Denise.

Jim's legacy continues through his 23 beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren: Kelsey Smith and her person Jeff Martin, and their daughter Lily; Max, Tanner & Eli Smith; Cameron Garrick and her husband Kyle, and their daughters Briar and Bonnie; Jim Buck; Will Buck; Madeline Reed; Kimrey Angotti-Smith and her wife Hope, and their son Ezra; Megan Boyd and her husband Jay, and their children Sawyer, Locklyn, Emily, Alex, Hendrix, Ivy, and Jimmy;  Courtney Angotti-Smith and her wife Violet, and their daughter Isla.

A Celebration of Jim's Life will be announced at a later date.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith, 869 St. James Avenue, Goose Creek, SC 29445, (843) 553-1511.