Renowned musician and boat captain James “JamesZ” Obna Smith has died. He was born on St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, on Sept. 24, 1968. He died Dec. 11.
James was preceded in death by his parents: Zephaniah Obna Smith and Lucille Mercer Smith; sister, Janet Smith; and special cousin, Lynelle Niles.
James is survived by his wife, Myka Callender-Smith; daughters: Jharese and Jamyka Smith; sons: Jhared and Jhamane Smith; brothers: Vincent Callwood and Joseph Smith; sisters: Juliette Smith and Januet Smith-George; sisters-in-law: Baerbel Smith, Mary Callwood, Monique Callender-Wiggins and Dr. Malori Callender; and brothers-in-law: Clyde George, Marco Callender and Lt. Col. Morgan Callender.
He is also survived by aunts: Doris Callwood, Niomi Donovan and Shinika Mercer; uncle, Akile Mercer; nieces: Lenette Callwood, Shalema Smith, Julisa Gyra Thomas, Kaela, Karlisa and Khaliya George, and Trisha Smith; nephews: Fran Callwood, Andrew McEachern, Anthony Smith, and Dwayne Smith; cousins: Laraine and Cedelle Niles, Denelle Brown, Ulalie Smith, Jeanette Rhymer, Jeffrey Smith, Rosalie Randolph, Jenneley Smith.
Other cousins include Desserie Harrigan, Lauralie Webbe, Dave Smith, Sekou Richardson, Maurice Donovan Jr. and Jeffrey Mercer, the Smith, Dawson, Mercer and Donovan families; special friends: Cordell Rhymer, Wayne Collis, Calvin Thomas, Janet Crooke Meyers, Navarro Niles, Paulette Rabsatt Simmonds, Ian Smith, Jerry “Azik” Meyers, Burnett “Wio” Smith, Wystan Benjamin, Pamela Benjamin, Urdley Smith, the Peterkins and the Stouts; and many relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
The memorial service celebrating his life will be held Wednesday, Jan. 31, at Blyden Memorial Chapel with pre-tributes at 9 a.m. followed by the service at 10 a.m.
