Jimmy Paul Smith, 42, of Paris, Texas, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2026 with his wife by his side. He was a devoted husband, loving father, loyal son, and cherished friend whose kindness, generosity, infectious sense of humor, and genuine love for people touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Jimmy was born on May 24, 1984, in Denison, Texas, to Rickey and Rita Smith. He graduated from Prairiland High School and later attended the University of Texas at Tyler. Jimmy enjoyed a long and dedicated career with Brookshire Grocery Company, where he built lasting friendships and earned the respect of colleagues and customers alike.
Jimmy was deeply devoted to his family and took great pride in caring for those he loved. He worked alongside his mother-in-law on the family ranch and partnered with his father-in-law in the family bookkeeping business. His strong work ethic, dependability, and willingness to help others were evident in all he did. Jimmy also had a deep love for the land and found great satisfaction in caring for the family ranch and cattle. Whether tending livestock, working the pastures, or simply enjoying the outdoors, he cherished rural life and took pride in being a good steward of the land.
Above all, Jimmy’s greatest joy was being a husband and father. Whether coaching Garrett’s Little League baseball team, watching Aubree play softball, attending school events, or spending weekends outdoors with his family, he treasured every moment spent with those he loved. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, raising cattle, and gathering with family and friends, especially during holidays and special occasions.
Known for his quick smile and ability to make everyone feel welcome, Jimmy never met a stranger. His humble presence brought comfort, laughter, and encouragement to those around him. In his final days, Jimmy shared a beautiful testimony with his loved ones that he had seen the gates of Heaven. That experience brought comfort to him and those by his side and remains a cherished memory for his family. His legacy of love, hard work, generosity, and friendship will continue to inspire all who knew him.
Jimmy is survived by his beloved wife of 19 years, Brooke Smith; his children, Garrett and Aubree Smith; his parents, Rickey and Rita Smith; his brother and sister-in-law, Jonathon and Ashleigh Smith; his parents-in-law, Mike and Renee Endsley; his sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Mandy and Jeremy Caruthers and Ashley Endsley; and numerous nieces and nephews, including Ashlyn, Annie, and Adelyn Caruthers, and Chandler, Kamryn, and Kyleigh Smith. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jimmy Freeman and Aubrey and Cynthia Smith.
Pallbearers will be Harley Skidmore, Brad Hunt, Trey Unruh, Jonathon Smith, Cody Creighton, and Jeremy Caruthers.
Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Endsley, Quint Creighton, Bo Creighton, Charlie Bivens, Willis Monroe, Stephen “Red” Holmes, Tim Walsworth, Charles Endsley and John Moon.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Jimmy Smith to North Lamar Education Foundation at P.O. Box 1972, Paris, Texas 75461.
A celebration of Jimmy’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2026 at Novice Baptist Church in Novice. Visitation with the family will take place on Wednesday evening, November 4, at Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.fry-gibbs.com.
