Background
Smith, James Lavon was born on January 15, 1928 in Avera, Mississippi, United States. Son of J. Elmer and Willie Mae (Walley) Smith.
Smith, James Lavon was born on January 15, 1928 in Avera, Mississippi, United States. Son of J. Elmer and Willie Mae (Walley) Smith.
Associate of Arts, Jones Junior College, Ellisville, Mississippi, 1947; Bachelor of Science, University of Southern Mississippi, 1950.
Mathematics teacher, coach, George County School, Lucedale, Mississippi, 1948-1950; assistant scout executive, Pine Burr Area county Boy Scouts American, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 1950-1965; scout executive, Quachtaw Area county Boy Scouts American, Monroe, Louisiana, 1965-1967; vice president, Southeastern American Life Insurance, Hattiesburg, 1968-1970; special services, Republic National Life Insurance, Dallas, 1970-1986; general agent, American General Life Insurance, Houston, since 1986. Teacher University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, 1968-1971.
Session member Westminster Presbyterian, elder, since 1963. Lamar County (Mississippi)Representatives, 1985-1987. Board directors Boy Scouts American Pine Burr Area Council, 1974-1988.
Founder Mission, Inc., board directors, since 1993. Member Hattiesburg Area Chamber of Commerce (Chairman of Commission 1990-1991), Rotary International(board directors since 1990, president 1994-1995).
Married Opal I. McLeod, August 22, 1948 (divorced 1974). Children: Brenda, James, Randall, Freida, Michelle. Married DeLois L. Smith, July 22, 1976.
Stepchildren: Mark, Delisa Lewis.