The obituary, shown below, was copied from
https://www.debaptiste.com/obituary/6298909
(it may or may not still be available there)
James Alfred Smith, Sr.
August 25, 1933 - December 6, 2018
DeBaptiste Funeral Homes, Inc. - West Chester
James A. Smith Sr., 85, of Toughkenamon, PA, peacefully passed on December 6, 2018, at Chester County Hospital.
Jim Smith Sr. was the youngest of eight children born to the late John H. Smith Sr. and Dora E. Smith in West Chester, PA and married to Rachel I. Boddy. He was the father of four children, James A. Smith Jr., Anthony W. Smith Sr., Troy A. Hughes Sr., and Crystal M. Smith.
He graduated from Kennett Consolidated High School in 1951 and was an outstanding athlete who was the first to earn letters in four sports. James also served four years on the school board of directors and played baseball with the Kennett Gray Sox. He retired in 1995 as a master electrician and member of Local Union #654 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW); practicing his trade for thirty-five years. He was one of the two first Black Americans admitted to that Union. He enjoyed shooting pool, playing cards, going to the casinos, and taking road trips.
He is survived by his wife Rachel I. Smith of Toughkenamon PA and three sons, James A. Smith Jr., wife Juanita of Kennett Square, PA, Anthony W. Smith Sr, Troy A. Hughes Sr., wife Jean of Philadelphia PA; one daughter Crystal M. Smith of Charlotte, NC; three grandchildren; four great grandchildren, and a host of nephews, nieces, relatives, and friends.
He was predeceased by four brothers and three sisters.