James Henry Smith Jr. entered into eternal rest at the RWJ Hospital in New Brunswick on August 14, 2026. He was born in Long Branch at the Monmouth Medical Center on October 25, 1948 to the late James Henry Smith Sr. and Elsie M. Smith.
James was the third child of ten children. James (Hook) as he was fondly called was educated in the Long Branch school system.
Later in life he gave his life to Jesus and joined Second Baptist Church and was baptized by Rev. Aaron Gibson. Hook had a pleasant spirit and was loved by everyone who knew him and always had a smile on his face. He loved riding his electric bike around town and to the racetrack.
Hook had a passion for animals when he was younger. When he was older, he worked at the racetrack with the Thoroughbred Horses traveling to other racetracks. After that he worked on horses with Breeze Knox, a good friend. He loved to go fishing with the guys from time to time and getting on the bus heading to Atlantic City on the weekend.
Hook loved his family so very much and would do anything for them.
Hook was predeceased by his parents James H. Smith and Elsie M. Smith his loving wife Gloria Logan-Smith and his brother William L. Smith.
Remaining to cherish his memory are two sons James Henry Smith III of Long Branch and Kamau Suydam of Eatontown; two daughters Latonia Suydam of Union Beach and Belinda Smith of Pennsylvania; two stepsons Gerald Suydam of Kissimmee, Florida and Darnell Suydam of Eatontown; five sisters Valerie Reeves, Beverly Williams, Gloria Smith, Linda Smith all of Long Branch and Brenda McCall (Alfred) o Roselle; three brothers Gregory Smith (Francesca) of Greenacres, Florida, Roney Smith (Thelma) of Iselin, NJ and Vernon Smith of Long Branch.
He also leaves to cherish his memory his grandchildren James Peace of Georgia, Jashawn Martin, Zaina Butts, Jermaine Finch, Jermiah Finch all of Union Beach, Kamaya Suydam and Yo’Niyah Suydam; one great grandchild Aria Martin; one aunt Shirley Tilghman of Princess Anne, Maryland and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
Thank you, Charlie Wall and Linda Wall, for visiting Hook at the hospital in New Brunswick, when he saw you in his room, he raised his hands and said Thank you Jesus with joy. He was so happy to see you both the week before he passed.
Also Thank you Rev. Mike Jones for your visits to the hospital in New Brunswick and your prayers. Rev. Virginia Feldman and Rev. Sandra Mcleod, thank you for your phone calls and prayer you gave to Hook. Yes, Hook knew the Lord and believed in God. Amen
