James Ray Smith was born July 29, 1965 in Galveston, Texas to the late Rayfield Smith and Gwendolyn Marie Smith.
James grew up in Port Arthur, and graduated from Lincoln High School class of 1983 as senior class president and valedictorian. Shortly thereafter James attended and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, achieving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering Management in 1987, along with graduating with honors.
James accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at First Sixth Street Baptist Church in Port Arthur,  where he was actively involved through his teen years.
James moved to Houston, in 1988 where he was employed by Flur Corporation, experiencing a successful career in management.
James transitioned to Raytheon Engineers and Constructors as Vice President of Business Development.  After a successful career with Raytheon, James was hired by Jacobs Engineering in 2001. While at Jacobs Engineering James held various positions including Regional Vice President of Sales, which included supporting key customer accounts, increasing responsibilities, and extensive travel. James was an exceptional person and enjoyed his work experiences and challenges, as he relocated from India to Long Beach, Ca. James was blessed with great job opportunities and awards. He often shared those experiences with others, while mentoring them.
James became a member of the Fountain of Praise Baptist Church of Houston,  where he acknowledged and loved the Lord. James had a kind spirit and was always willing to help anyone in need. He was very considerate and compassionate toward others. He was a dedicated son, brother, uncle, and friend. James was highly involved with his God daughter and niece, Alexandra, giving advice, joking and teasing with her constantly, and even traveling with her. His visits and phone calls to her will be missed.  James loved dogs, cooking fine dishes, going to the beach, exercising, leisure traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
James leaves to cherish his loving memories: his mother Gwendolyn Marie Smith (of Arlington TX via Port Arthur, sister Vickie L. McIntyre (of Arlington, TX), brother Dezra Dautrive (of Wakefield, England), nieces Alexandra Marie Clay and Desiree Dautrive, nephews Dezra Dautrive Jr. and Orion Dautrive. He also leaves to mourn special friends Adrian Thomas and Craig Johnson both of Houston. Along with a special cousins Walter Criner, Shretha Smith and Zaddeus Smith.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 15, 11:00 am at Sugar Land Mortuary 1818 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land, TX. A visitation will be one hour prior to service time. A reception will follow the funeral service in the Mortuary Reception Dining Center. For more information contact Sugar Land Mortuary at 281-277-1818