SMITH, James Alphonso Sr., Lt. Col. U.S. Army (Ret.), went home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 21, 2007, at Hunter Holmes Veteran Affairs Hospice Medical Center in Richmond, Va. He was the son of the late Raymond and Lula Smith of Bumpass, Va. He was born March 28, 1932 in Buckner, Va. He joined the Mt. Hope Baptist Church at a very early age, and later became a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. During his stay at the Parham Healthcare and Rehabilitaion Center, he attended Faith Landmarks Ministries in Richmond, Va. James received his early education at the Louisa County Training School. He furthered his education at Virginia State College, today known as Virginia State University. While attending college, he became a member of the Reserved Officers' Training Corps (R.O.T.C.) and the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. In 1955, he received his B.S. degree in Agricultural Education. Upon receiving his degree, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Quarter Master. He served 20 years in the U.S. Armed Forces, including tours of duty in Augsburg and Frankfurt, Germany, Korea, and Vietnam. He received many awards and accommodations, including the Army Commendation Medal and the Meritorious Medal. He retired from the U.S. Army in Fort Lee, Va. on January 1, 1976. He was a longtime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Post 8497, located in Louisa, Va. After retiring from the military, he worked as a Junior R.O.T.C. instructor at Armstrong High School in Richmond, Va. and later at the Farmers' Home Administration Office in Ashland, Va. A few years later, he established the Phonovision Company in Louisa, Va. He successfully managed and operated this video and music store for 19 years. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Lillie H. Smith; three daughters, Karen D. Smith, Cheryl S. Napier and husband, Michael, Patricia S. Fudzie and husband, Vince; one son, James A. Smith Jr. and wife, Kimberly; 10 grandchildren, Kadar Anderson and Diona Smith, Cheri and Kerry Wynn Jr., James "Trey" A. III, Justice, and Kaleb Smith, Candice, Ciana, and Ciaya Fudzie; one aunt, Margaret Dejarnette; two brothers-in-law, Charles A. Hudgins and wife, Irma, Willie H. Hudgins Jr. and wife, Cathy; four sisters-in-law, Cariol H. Chavis, Martha H. Crenshaw and husband, Frank, Edna H. Packer and husband, Woodrow, and Helen H. Stephens; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. The family will received friends on Thursday, September 27, 2007, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Thomasson Watson Funeral Chapel, 117 West St., Louisa, Va. 23093. The funeral service will be held on Friday, September, 28, 2007, at 1 p.m. at Mt. Hope Baptist Church, 5502 Paynes Mill Rd., Bumpass, Va. 23024, with Rev. Dr. Monroe L. Smith officiating. A full military interment will be in the Smith Family Cemetery, 5454 Paynes Mill Rd., Bumpass, Va. 23024.