February 24, 2026, 85, Goldsboro – James Jerry Smith, age 85, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. He was born in Conway, Missouri, on January 31, 1941, to the late Arnie Berle Smith and Letta Irene Johnston Smith.
Jerry served his country in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base from 1961 until his honorable discharge in 1965. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the Missileman Badge. It was during his service at Seymour Johnson that he met and married his wife, Agnes, in 1963. After Jerry’s service, the two moved across the country to California but returned two years later to make Goldsboro home.
In 1967, Jerry was hired by Bob Loving at T.A. Loving Company to work on a surveying crew. Throughout the next 48 years, he worked his way up through the ranks and retired as a Senior Vice President in 2015. While employed, Jerry’s involvement with construction industry associations included serving as Chairman of the Carolinas AGC Association; serving on the NUCA of the Carolinas Board of Directors, where he was honored with the Ditch Digger Award in recognition of his leadership, dedication, and service to the organization; and also serving on the NC General Contractor’s Licensing Board.
Jerry served his community and was active for many years with the Goldsboro Jaycees, where he served on the Board of Directors. Through his association with the Jaycees, he was an original board member of the NC Burn Center and was named Outstanding Jaycee of the Year in 1972. He was also a longtime member of the Elks Lodge.
Jerry loved his work, his golf, his fishing, his NASCAR, and collecting expensive toys. An avid NC State fan, Jerry was a loyal member of the Wolfpack Club and rarely missed a game, whether in person or on TV.
He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 62 years, Agnes Davis Smith. He is also survived by his sons, James Edward (Eddie) Smith and Jeffrey Scot (Jeff) Smith, both of Goldsboro; his brother and sister-in-law, David and Cindy Smith of Lake Havasu, AZ; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bill and Fran Tadlock of Mount Olive; and special family members, Bill and Patsy May of Goldsboro.
The family will receive friends on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home. Per Jerry’s wishes, no formal memorial service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in Jerry’s memory to United Way of Wayne County, P.O. Box 10893, Goldsboro, NC 27532.
