James Lee Smith, of Duncan, Oklahoma, was born June 11, 1988 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to James Lee Smith Sr. and Gayela (Turner) Barber. He was adopted by Melvin and Annie Newman. He passed away unexpectedly on February 27, 2025 at the age of 36.

Funeral services are planned for Tuesday, March 18, at 1:00P.M. in the Whitt Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ronald Boyd, pastor of Antioch Baptist Church, officiating. Serving as pallbearers are Kelvin McDavid, Juan McFadden, Santee Newman, Javon West, Chris Barber, and Ashley Drew. Interment will follow in the Henderson-Harris Cemetery.

James graduated from Duncan High School with the Class of 2006. He attended Red River Technology Center studying carpentry and also attended truck driving school. He was employed as a chemical plant employee. He enjoyed collecting, buying, and selling different items. He also enjoyed singing and poetry. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family. He was a member of the Antioch Baptist Church.

He was the beloved father of 17 children: Honesti Franklin, Skyler Smith, Damion Dedmon, Amiya Smith, Julian Smith, Dezmond Elliott, Kaylee Smith, Averee Smith, Alayiah Coast, Brenton Smith, Cole Lawson, Dominic Smith, Braxon Smith, Israel Smith, Brylin Smith, Valor Smith and Denarrion Newberry. James is also survived by his mother, Annie Newman; birth mother, Gayela Barber; 3 brothers: Michael Newman of Duncan, Wesley Newman of Inglewood, California, Santee Newman of Duncan; and 1 sister, Erica McFadden and husband Juan of Oklahoma City. He was preceded in death by his father, Melvin Newman; birth father, James Lee Smith Sr.; and brother, Sanford Newman.

Online condolences can be made at www.whittfh.com.