James Ronald Smith- age 78, passed away Wednesday, January 8th, 2024. He was born in South Pittsburg, Tennessee on July 2, 1946, to Philip and Mildred Smith. He was raised in Roane County, Tennessee. Jim attended the Merchant Marine Academy and served in the Merchant Marines during the Vietnam conflict. Jim was an avid gardener and grew his own peppers to commercially produce his signature Hot Sauce – Tennessee Jim’s Rushy Springs Farm Chile Sauce. He opened his Etsy shop selling his hot sauce to people all over the country. Jim is also known as an accomplished photographer and at one time had a gallery showing in New York City. Jim was very accomplished in many things, but we will remember his compassion and drive to be as one with the earth. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, James Philip Smith and Mildred Scharer Smith and his sister Suzanne Smith Stevens.

He is survived by his brothers Bill (Kathy) Smith and Terry (Debbie) Smith, his nieces Amy, Sarah, Emily and Claire, his nephews Kenric and Jordan and many great nieces and great nephews and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.