James L. Smith

James "Jim" Lawrence Smith, age 89, of Hendersonville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 5, 2026. Jim was born on August 11, 1937, in Old Hickory, Tennessee to Earl "Pa" Smith and Margaret "Ma" Smith. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Donna Hand Smith, his parents, his sister, Peggy Smith Hewgley, stepdaughter-in-law Nealie Moree, and brothers-in-law, James Warwick Armstrong, Jr. and Larry Carney Hewgley. He is survived by his stepchildren retired Sumner County attorney, Karen Keyes Diner of Greenbrier, Tennessee, Michael Logan Keyes of Hollywood, South Carolina, and step-grandson, Jackson Canada Diner (Jenny) of Fayetteville, Arkansas. He is also survived by his sister Jackie Smith North (Al) of Maryville, Tennessee, and his sister-in-law Peggy Hand Armstrong of Hendersonville, Tennessee.

 Jim's nieces and nephews were special to him: nieces Beth Armstrong Greene (Travis) of Hendersonville, Tennessee, Kristie North (John) of Lexington, North Carolina, and Tracey Hand Crider of Red Hill, Pennsylvania; nephews Jimmy Armstrongof Hendersonville, Tennessee, Keith Hewgley (Debbie) of Cleveland, Tennessee, Steve Hewgley of Memphis, Tennessee, Lee North (Christine) of Alcoa, Tennessee, and Ed Hand (Cindi) of London, England.

 Jim also had many honorary grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom he adored: grandchildren Charlotte, George, and Rebecca Hand and Shannon Rawls Wilkins; great-grandchildren Hailey, Gabriella, and Ella Capri. 

Jim was a graduate of Isaac Litton High School in Nashville, Tennessee and Martin College in Pulaski, Tennessee. He went on to receive his bachelor's degree from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee and his law degree from the Nashville School of Law. 

Jim was a dedicated practitioner across Middle Tennessee and recognized by the Tennessee Bar Association as a Senior Counselor for his significant contributions to the legal profession. Over his distinguished career he was admitted to practice before numerous jurisdictions, including the Supreme Court of the United States. He also served on occasion as the Acting City Judge for the City of Hendersonville. 

Jim was a proud veteran of the United States Army. 

Jim was a member of several professional, civic, and social clubs and organizations and was a past officer and director of Blue Grass Yacht and Country Club. 

An avid athlete and animal lover, Jim was happiest in motion. Whether he was chasing down a tough baseline shot on the tennis court, perfecting his swing on the golf course, or walking the neighborhood with his beloved dogs, he approached lifewith energy and enthusiasm. His competitive spirit was only matched by his deep loveof his four-legged companions. Jim was also an avid football fan supporting both theTennessee Titans and the Vanderbilt Commodores. He lived his entire life with purpose and passion and now he has "anchored down" with his beloved Donna in Heaven.

 Jim never met a stranger and always had a smile on his face, and this is how we will remember him...with a smile. 

The family would like to express their appreciation to Mike and Darlene Rawlsand their family for their lifelong friendship to Donna and Jim and their loving assistance in caring for Jim during the last phase of his life. 

A visitation and celebration of life will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM at Hendersonville Memory Garden and Funeral Home,353 East Main Street, Hendersonville, Tennessee.

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jim's memory to organizations reflecting his commitment to the community and his profession: 

Sumner County CASA: Donate directly through the Sumner County CASA Donation Page

 Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program (TLAP): Donate to the TLAP Foundation