James Edward Smith, 84, of Humble, Texas, passed peacefully on January 29, 2024 after a courageous battle with liver cancer.

Jim was born on January 27, 1940 in Palatka, Florida to Christine Jeffords Smith. After graduating from Palatka High School, he entered the U.S. Navy, 1959-1963, on the U.S.S. Hornet as an electrician and discharged as an E-5. Following discharge he chose law enforcement and began his career with the Victoria Police Department, 1963-1968; then as police chief for two years in Junction City, Kansas, while attending the FBI Academy; then returned to Texas and hired on with the Harris County Sheriff’s Department, 1973-2001, retiring as a Captain of the Organized Crime Unit/Joint Task Force.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Jodi Masera, and son-in-law, Chris Masera of Pearland, Texas; granddaughters, Rachel Masera and Megan Masera; his significant other, Carol Wheeler of Humble, Texas; and many wonderful extended family and friends.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Carol Smith; ex-wife and Jodi’s mother, Dolores Reed; and first wife, Eva Fees Smith; his mother, Christine Jeffords Smith; and brother, Robert Smith.

Jim was the most generous and selfless man to all who knew him, always offering a helping hand. He enjoyed fishing and camping trips with his family, spending time with his granddaughters, and helping maintain the rental property where he lived.

A funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at the Rosewood Funeral Home in Humble. Don Savell, Harris County Sheriff’s Office chaplain, will officiate. Immediately following the funeral service, there will be a reception at the Jessie Faye Fields Chapel. Please join the family to reminisce, celebrate, and honor James Edward Smith.

An interment service is scheduled for Thursday, February 8, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Houston National Cemetery.

Fly with the angels, Daddy. We will see you again one day.