James "Bear" H. Smith, 65, of Carlisle, IN passed away on May 24, 2023. He was born in Palmdale, CA on December 4, 1957 to Dave and Eunice Smith (Kensinger). James was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Virgil Smith and David Smith; sister Eunice "Eunie" Smith-Romero. He is survived by Belinda Smith of Littlerock, CA; Children Carissa Armstrong of Paramount, CA, Amber Smith of Plainville, CT, Michael Smith (Fiancé Courtney) of Lake Los Angeles, CA, James Smith(Kelsey) of Carlisle, IN, Jenna Smith of Carlisle IN, and Jalinda Smith of Carlisle, IN; 12 grandchildren Anthony Mercado-Smith, Jesse Daigle, Michael "Mikie" Smith, Isaiah Aguilar, Victoria Smith, Jazlynn Haviland, Colie Boyll, Jackson Boyll, Josey Smith, Jaci Graham, McKenna Smith, and Jantzen Mahan; great-granddaughter Nova Debra Smith; sisters Delores "Dodie" Cowell and Mary Smith (Tommy Pastor), as well as several nieces and nephews. James enjoyed camping, fishing, cooking, gardening, riding his motorcycles, and spending time with his grandkids. There will be a celebration of life held on June 3, 2023. Please contact the family for information regarding the service.