James "Babe" Smith

James Clifford Smith was born on November 12, 1963, in Wilmington, Delaware to Shirley Loretta Smith and Robert Henry Smith. James was affectionately called “Babe” or “Baby”,  as a child.

 James received his early childhood education at Mary C. I. Williams School, BancroftMiddle School and graduated from Christiana High School in 1981.

As a teenager, James gained the nickname “Baby Bongos” from his gifted artistry while playing the bongos. Three young neighborhood talents decided to form a neighborhood trio band starring Wayne Miller on the saxophone and Dougie Pettiford on the drums and James on the bongos. They became known to play at the William Hicks Anderson Community  Center in their childhood years. He also played basketball for Larry Morris youth league, one of the teams in the league was named the Chicago Bulls, which he played for. James enjoyed playing pool, swimming, and playing household games with his siblings. 

On August 24, 2004, he became united to the love of his life, Alice M. Allen. There was nothing he did not and would not do for her. 

James was preceded in death, by Father Robert H. Smith Sr.; and sister Sharon M. Wright; his maternal grandmother, Viola Benson; and his uncles, Clifford Warrick, Price Warrick, Daniel Warrick, Allen Bernard, and Kennard Benson. 

He leaves to cherish his memories: his loving wife Alice Marie Allen; his mother, Shirley L. Smith; his daughters, Shirley L. Smith II and Tiffany Lynn Smith; his step-children Tikey, Tyrone and Terrance; sister, Lisa (Smith) Lewis (Dwight); his brothers, Michael (Tracey), Terry (Brenda), Robert (Annette) and Alvin (Althena); a devoted sister in law, Geneen Chase and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

​​​​Lovingly Submitted, The Family