James Baley Smotherman

James Baley Smotherman, 83 of Plainfield, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2022 at IU Health West Hospital, Avon surrounded by the children that loved and cared for him so deeply.  He was born on February 14, 1938 in Indianapolis to the late Dewey Nelson and Mary Zena (Mize) Smotherman.  Affectionately known as JB, he set onions, delivered newspapers, and caddied at Indianapolis Country Club during his early years.  After graduating from Washington High School in 1956, JB became a U. S. Air Force veteran and a sales specialist for 39 years at Western Electric and AT&T.  He was a very loving and devoted husband, dad, and grandpa, teaching all of us life lessons of separating our “needs” from our “wants”, paving the way for success, and putting others before himself.

Survivors include his children, Pam (Gaylan) Yates of Oklahoma City, OK., Jerry (Stacy) Smotherman of Greenwood, James (Stephanie) Smotherman of Greenwood; grandchildren, Cooper (Nicole) Yates, Katie (Adam) Doerr, Carson (Tess) Yates, Sydney, Abbey, Bryce Smotherman, Tyler Smotherman; great granddaughter, Emerson Yates; and sister, Lexie Nolan of Plainfield.  His parents and siblings, Vera Collins, Denny Smotherman and Linda Daglish, preceded him in death. 

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, February 12, 2022 in Hall-Baker Funeral Home, Plainfield, with visitation from 1:00 pm until the service time.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association 50 E 91st St Ste 100 Indianapolis, IN 46209-4830.  

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