James Dwight Smith, 59, died December 28 at DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, following a brief illness.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Georgia and Roland Smith, and his wife, Celeste Carlton Smith.

He is survived by his daughter, Anna Marie Smith, of Phoenix, Arizona; his godson, Ernest Ke'Darrion Smith, of Tuscaloosa; and his mother-in-law, Joyce Carlton of Sylacauga.

James was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and graduated from Chilton County High School in 1973. He received his undergraduate degree from Samford University in 1977 and a law degree from The University of Alabama School of Law in 1982.

James was a member of Circle K in college. He practiced law in Tuscaloosa for many years and was a member of the Tuscaloosa County Bar Association. He was widely known as a vigorous participant in the Tuscaloosa County Democratic Executive Committee and various political groups. He was perhaps best known for his kindness to all people and his enduring efforts to help those less fortunate.

He was deeply involved in Covenant Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder and church Treasurer. He was also involved in the activities of the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley and in a variety of community activities. At Covenant, he helped found the "Chance to Dance" program to give children who might otherwise be unable to participate an opportunity to learn ballet, tap and jazz dance in a Christian setting. This program is now called the Covenant Dance Experience.

A memorial service for James will be held Saturday, January 2, at 2 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 113 Hargrove Road, Tuscaloosa. The Rev. Charles Samuel Haun and the Rev. Neil McCarter will officiate. Williams Service Funeral Home is directing. The family will receive friends at a reception at the church immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Covenant Dance Experience, the Alabama Kiwanis Foundation James Smith Scholarship Fund or to a charity of your choice.